Although blood in a baby's stool is an alarming sight for parents, it's usually not an an emergency. More often it's an easily resolved problem. Whatever the cause, however, it's always a good idea to give your pediatrician a call.
Constipation
A baby who is constipated may have stools that are streaked with blood. A change in feedings and iron-fortified formulas can cause this problem. Stools are dry, hard and difficult to pass. A fissure in the wall of the anus may develop. As stool passes, the fissure becomes irritated and bleeds.
Breastfeeding
Some mothers who breastfeed develop cracked nipples. Blood from cracked nipples mixes with breast milk as the baby nurses and goes through the digestive system, appearing in the stool. This does not harm the baby.
NEC
Necrotizing enterocolitis occurs when a baby develops an intestinal infection. The affected portion of the intestine gets less oxygen, and this leads to tissue death. Babies with NEC have bloody stools and a distended abdomen. NEC may also affect the breathing of premature babies, causing episodes of apnea. NEC requires immediate treatment to reduce the spread of bacteria through the bowel, and many babies need surgery to correct the situation.
Intussusception
Intussusception, an intestinal blockage in which the bowl folds into itself, can cause a bloody stool that looks like dark red jelly. Intussusception is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It is the most common intestinal obstruction among children ages 5 to 10 months, according to the Kids Health website. Other symptoms include a distended abdomen, crying or irritability, vomiting and shallow breathing.
Milk Allergy
Blood may appear in a baby's stool as a result of a milk allergy. This occurs when a baby's body reacts to a type of protein found in dairy. Although many babies may not be drinking cow's milk before one year of age, this type of milk forms the foundation of most infant formulas. A baby with a milk allergy may have loose, bloody stools. She may be frequently irritable or fussy, and she may vomit or refuse to eat. Treatment involves avoiding milk and changing the diet to soy-based formula. Most children with a milk allergy outgrow the condition by the age of 2 or 3.
Significance
While it's always a good idea to give the pediatrician a call, there are several symptoms that demand immediate attention. According to Seattle Children's Hospital they include bleeding that fills a diaper or turns toilet water red, stool that has the consistency of red jelly or stool that is black or tarry after the passage of meconium. In addition, any baby who is inconsolable or has a distended or firm abdomen should be seen by a doctor.
