Content

• Steps
• Warning

Constipation is a disease that can have serious consequences in a newborn baby. If not treated completely, constipation can cause intestinal obstruction, sometimes requiring surgery. In addition, constipation in a newborn can be a symptom of a more serious illness. Therefore, it is important to detect the infant's constipation and learn how to treat it. Fortunately, there are ways to help babies relieve constipation today.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Symptom Detection

1. 

   Notice if your baby has pain while having a bowel movement. If the child shows pain while having a bowel movement, it may be a symptom of constipation. Look closely to see if your child is frowning in pain, flexing his back, or bursting into tears while he is going to the toilet.
   • However, you should be aware that babies often push while defecating because their abdominal muscles are not fully developed. If an infant is only pushing for a few minutes and then defecating normally, that means everything is fine.

2. 

   
   
   Keep track of the child's frequency of defecation. A sign that a newborn baby has constipation is not having a bowel movement for a long time. If you are concerned that your child is constipated, try to remember when he last defecated.
   • Include the days of your child's bowel movements if you are concerned that your child is at risk of constipation.
   • It is not uncommon for a child to defecate for a few days. However, if the child has not had a bowel movement after 5 days, it can be considered an unusual sign and you should consult your doctor immediately.
   • If your baby is less than two weeks old, you should contact your doctor if the baby has not been to the toilet for more than two or three days.

3. 

   
   
   Observe the baby's stool carefully. There are cases where the child can defecate but is still constipated. Infants are at risk of constipation if their stools have the following characteristics.
   • Small split round ball shape.
   • Dark black or gray stools.
   • The stool is dry, with little or no moisture.

4. 

   
   
   Pay attention if there is blood in the stool or diaper. Just a small streak of blood in the diaper is enough to show that the child has had difficulty pushing and defecating. advertisement

Part 2 of 2: Cure Constipation in Babies

1. 

   Give your child more fluids. Constipation is caused by lack of fluid in the digestive tract. Offer your baby milk or drink more fluids every about 2 hours.

2. 

   Use a glycerin suppository. If making changes to your diet still doesn't help, you can try a glycerin suppository. This medicine is gently placed into the anus to make it easier for the child to defecate. Do not take this medication often. In addition, do not rush to order medicine without consulting your child's doctor.

3. 

   Try infant massage. You can gently massage the baby's stomach near the navel in a circular motion. This action helps the child feel comfortable and can take a bowel movement more easily.
   • Try holding the child's feet, letting them "ride a bicycle" to see if it helps.

4. 

   Give infants a warm bath. This is a method to help children feel relaxed, and make it easier to defecate. Another way you can try is to place a warm washcloth in your baby's navel.

5. 

   Go to the doctor. If all of the above don't work, you should take your child to see a doctor immediately because constipation can have a serious effect of intestinal obstruction. Infant constipation can also be a symptom of many other serious illnesses. At the hospital, the doctor will do a general examination and prescribe medicine to stop the constipation.

6. 

   Need emergency care and special care in some serious situations. Constipation can become a problem if accompanied by a number of other symptoms. Rectal bleeding and / or vomiting are symptoms of an intestinal obstruction, which can be life-threatening. If your child is both constipated and has these symptoms, get him or her to the emergency room as soon as possible. Some other symptoms to look out for are:
   • Too much sleepy or irritable
   • Swollen or swollen abdomen
   • Poor appetite
   • Little urination
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Warning

• Do not cure your child of constipation by using a laxative or enema without consulting your pediatrician.