What should I do if a newborn has no bowel movements but only passes gas?

Newborns who have no bowel movements but only pass gas should receive targeted treatment based on the specific underlying cause, which helps alleviate symptoms. Common factors include insufficient breast milk intake, gastrointestinal dysfunction, lactose intolerance, indigestion, and constipation.

1. Insufficient Breast Milk Intake

If a newborn receives inadequate milk, the lack of sufficient food residue may lead to absence of bowel movements and increased gas passage. This can be improved by timely and demand-based feeding, or supplementing with formula milk as appropriate to increase overall intake.

2. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Inadequate abdominal warmth may expose the abdomen to cold stimulation, causing gastrointestinal dysfunction, reduced secretion of digestive fluids, and incomplete digestion and absorption of food in the gastrointestinal tract. As a result, there may not be enough stool residue to trigger defecation, leading to absence of bowel movements, increased frequency of gas passage, and symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Applying a hot water bag to the abdomen can help warm the area and relieve symptoms. If necessary, probiotic medications may be used under medical guidance to regulate intestinal flora and improve symptoms. Commonly used medications include Bifidobacterium Tristrain Powder, Bacillus Subtilis Binomial Live Granules, and Bifidobacterium Quadruple Live Tablets.

3. Lactose Intolerance

A deficiency of digestive enzymes may prevent complete breakdown and absorption of lactose in milk, resulting in high concentrations of lactose in the intestine, which causes bloating, increased gas passage, and impaired normal digestive function, manifesting as reduced bowel movement frequency. Symptoms can be improved by switching to lactose-free or low-lactose formula milk.

4. Indigestion

Newborns have immature digestive systems, and overfeeding may lead to indigestion, impairing normal digestion and absorption of food, thereby reducing bowel movement frequency. Additionally, prolonged retention of food in the gastrointestinal tract produces excess gas, increasing flatulence and causing associated symptoms such as bloating and vomiting. Digestive aids prescribed by a doctor can enhance gastrointestinal motility and improve symptoms. Common medications include Compound Pepsin Powder, Lactasin Tablets, and Xingspi Yang'er Granules.

5. Constipation

Newborns have relatively weak intestinal motility and are prone to constipation due to dietary influences, causing feces to remain in the intestines without timely expulsion, leading to difficulty passing stool, frequent gas passage, and abdominal distension. Gently massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction around the navel may help enhance gastrointestinal motility and promote defecation to relieve discomfort.

During the feeding process, if a newborn exhibits any abnormal symptoms, caregivers should remain vigilant and seek prompt evaluation and proper treatment from a pediatrician to prevent prolonged illness that could negatively impact growth and development.