Why isn't my baby having bowel movements and is also spitting up milk? What should I do?
Dec 27, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Introduction
Not passing stool refers to the absence of bowel movements. If a baby does not pass stool and also vomits milk, it may be caused by improper feeding, underdeveloped intestinal function, constipation, congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. Treatment may include general management, medication, or surgery, under a doctor's guidance. Normally, it is important to appropriately control both the volume and concentration of milk to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
In general, not having a bowel movement refers to not passing stool. If a baby does not pass stool and also spits up milk, it may be caused by improper feeding, incomplete development of intestinal function, constipation, congenital megacolon, intestinal obstruction, or other reasons. Treatment options include general therapy, medication, and surgery, under the guidance of a doctor. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Improper Feeding
When a baby consumes too much or too little milk, or when the formula is too concentrated, it may cause indigestion, leading to failure to pass stool and spitting up milk. In daily care, feeding volume and formula concentration should be reasonably controlled, following the principle of feeding on demand to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding.
2. Incomplete Development of Intestinal Function
The intestinal function of newborns has not yet fully matured, and intestinal peristalsis may be insufficiently coordinated, which can lead to difficulty passing stool and spitting up milk. As the baby grows older, intestinal function will gradually improve, and these symptoms will gradually diminish. Intestinal peristalsis can be promoted by abdominal massage to assist with bowel movements.
3. Constipation
Constipation is caused by slowed intestinal peristalsis and reduced intestinal moisture. Constipation makes it difficult for babies to pass stool and may also affect digestive function, causing them to spit up milk. Symptoms such as bloating and irritability may also occur. Treatment options under a doctor's guidance include medications such as lactulose oral solution, Bifidobacterium triple live powder, and glycerin suppositories.
4. Congenital Megacolon
Congenital megacolon is a developmental abnormality of the intestine caused by the absence of ganglion cells in the intestinal tract. This condition leads to intestinal narrowing and impaired peristalsis, causing failure to pass stool and spitting up milk. Symptoms such as vomiting and malnutrition may also occur. Under medical guidance, surgical treatment such as resection and anastomosis of the intestine can be performed, removing the diseased segment lacking ganglion cells and reconnecting the healthy ends of the intestine to restore intestinal continuity, allowing normal peristalsis and bowel movements.
5. Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction is a condition caused by impaired passage of intestinal contents. When a baby develops intestinal obstruction, intestinal contents cannot be expelled normally, leading to failure to pass stool and spitting up milk. Symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating may also occur. Under medical guidance, adhesions can be surgically released to separate the adhered intestines and restore normal anatomical structure and patency of the intestine.
In daily life, feeding volume and formula concentration should be properly controlled to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding. At the same time, closely monitor the baby's bowel movements and spitting up milk. If abnormalities occur, seek medical attention promptly for early detection and treatment of underlying diseases.
