What causes difficulty in bowel movements in newborns?

Jun 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby just born is having difficulty passing stool. What causes bowel movement difficulties in newborns?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Newborn difficulty in defecation may have various causes, mainly including: 1. Incomplete gastrointestinal development: The gastrointestinal function of newborns is not yet fully mature, which may lead to weak defecation reflexes and slow intestinal motility. This is a normal physiological phenomenon. 2. Improper feeding: If the newborn does not consume enough fluids or if the mother eats excessive spicy foods, it may cause internal heat ("fire") in the infant, resulting in difficulty passing stool. 3. Intestinal flora imbalance: An imbalance in gut bacteria or lack of dietary fiber can also lead to constipation and difficulty defecating in newborns. 4. Congenital diseases: Conditions such as congenital megacolon, anal atresia, or anal stenosis can affect intestinal structure and function, leading to defecation difficulties in newborns. Difficulty in defecation among newborns may result from a combination of factors, including gastrointestinal development, feeding practices, intestinal flora, and congenital disorders. If there are any concerns, prompt medical consultation is recommended.