Why does a newborn cry before passing stool?

Defecation, commonly referred to as "passing stool," may be preceded by crying in newborns due to various reasons such as poor mood, constipation, indigestion, allergies, or gastroenteritis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Poor Mood

This may occur because the infant's intestinal function has not yet fully matured. Discomfort might appear before defecation but usually improves gradually afterward. No special treatment is typically required.

2. Constipation

Inadequate fluid intake in newborns, or maternal consumption of spicy and stimulating foods during breastfeeding, can easily lead to neonatal constipation. This results in dry, hard stools, causing difficulty and pain during bowel movements, which may make the baby cry before defecating. Medications such as *Saccharomyces boulardii* powder, *Bacillus subtilis* bifid combination live bacteria granules, or bifidobacterium triple viable powder may be used under medical supervision. These agents help regulate intestinal flora, improve the gut micro-ecosystem, and effectively relieve constipation.

3. Indigestion

Newborns produce relatively small amounts of digestive enzymes and secretions. Overfeeding or feeding too frequently can easily lead to indigestion. When digesting proteins from breast milk or formula, babies may experience bloating and abdominal pain, which could also cause crying. Under a doctor’s guidance, medications such as infant spleen-strengthening granules, hawthorn pills, or醒脾养儿颗粒 (Xingspi Yang'er granules) may be used to promote gastric emptying.

4. Allergy

If a newborn is allergic to substances such as pollen or dust mites, it may trigger an intestinal allergic reaction, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea, and the baby may cry before bowel movements. Antiallergic medications such as levocetirizine hydrochloride oral solution or desloratadine syrup may be used under a doctor's advice to manage the allergic response.

5. Gastroenteritis

If the milk given to a newborn is too cold, it may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and cause gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and crying. Treatment under medical guidance may include antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium granules, cefaclor granules, or cefuroxime axetil granules, which help reduce inflammation.

It is advisable to visit a hospital promptly for evaluation and necessary tests to determine the exact cause and receive targeted treatment under medical supervision. During treatment, encouraging the newborn to drink more water may help alleviate discomfort.