What should I do if a newborn baby has constipation?
Dec 23, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Infants who are breastfed typically have stools that are mushy or curd-like in texture, with a yellow or slightly greenish color. Due to the easy digestion and absorption of breast milk, breastfed infants may have more frequent bowel movements, and the stools may be looser in consistency. No special treatment is required. Parents can continue breastfeeding and should monitor the infant's stool patterns as well as their growth and development.
Generally, constipation in newborns may be caused by factors such as meconium excretion, the defecation characteristics of breastfeeding, lactose intolerance, indigestion, or acute enteritis. General treatment and medication can help improve the condition. Prompt medical attention is advised, and treatments should follow medical guidance. Details are as follows:
1. Meconium excretion: Newborns typically pass meconium shortly after birth. Meconium consists of amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and other substances absorbed in the uterus. It is usually dark green and sticky in texture. No special treatment is required. Parents only need to change diapers promptly and maintain the cleanliness and dryness of the infant's buttocks.
2. Defecation characteristics of breastfeeding: The stools of breastfed infants are generally paste-like or curd-like in texture, with a yellow or slightly greenish color. Because breast milk is easily digested and absorbed, infants may have more frequent bowel movements with looser stools. No special treatment is required. Parents can continue breastfeeding while observing the infant's stool condition and growth and development.
3. Lactose intolerance: Lactose intolerance occurs when infants lack lactase or have reduced lactase activity, preventing the breakdown of lactose in breast milk or formula into monosaccharides for absorption. This can increase the osmotic pressure within the intestines, leading to increased water entering the intestinal tract and causing diarrhea. Medications such as Bifidobacterium triple viable powder, Bacillus subtilis dimer viable granules, and lactulose oral solution may be used under medical guidance to regulate intestinal flora.
4. Indigestion: Indigestion may occur due to incomplete development of the infant's gastrointestinal tract, improper feeding practices, or unsuitable formula ingredients. When ingested food cannot be fully digested and absorbed, residual food in the intestines increases, potentially causing diarrhea. Under medical guidance, medications such as Xingpi Yang'er Granules, Infant Jianpi Granules, and Clostridium butyricum viable powder may be used to promote digestion.
5. Acute enteritis: Acute enteritis is usually caused by bacterial infections, such as Escherichia coli or Salmonella. These bacteria invade the infant's intestines, damaging the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and diarrhea, which leads to increased frequency of bowel movements. Medications such as montmorillonite powder, ibuprofen suspension, and paracetamol granules may be used under medical guidance for diarrhea relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
During treatment, parents should maintain proper hygiene of the infant's diet and keep the infant's buttocks clean.
