Vaccinations are a front-line defense against diseases that at one point in time were commonplace. Today, many of the illnesses that we currently vaccinate against are rarely seen. The schedule of vaccinations depends on your baby's age. Within the first few months of life, infants begin a series of immunizations that continue throughout childhood. If you see blood in a baby's diaper, this is cause for concern. Contact your pediatrician or another health care professional to discuss possible causes for the problem.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are medication, and there will always be risks and side effects. Bloody or tarry stool is something you want to have checked whether your baby has had a recent vaccination or not. Infants can develop blood in their stool for a variety of reasons but not a recent immunization. The side effects of immunizations do not include rectal bleeding. More than likely, the baby has another issue that is causing the bleeding. Talk to your pediatrician to rule out a medical problem relating to bloody stool.
Intussusception
Severe cases of rotavirus infection, or stomach flu, can lead to intussusception. With intussusception, a piece of bowel folds over onto another section almost like a crimp or the mechanism of a telescope arm. Prior to the development of the rotavirus vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an average 1,900 infants suffered with intussusception each year. One symptom of this problem is bleeding from the rectum. The child may also begin vomiting and have stomach cramps. With intussusception, the bleeding and any recent vaccinations would be a coincidence.
What is Normal?
The color and texture of a baby's poop changes due to diet. Immediately after birth, infants have dark green and black stool. This is meconium and a regular part of infancy, according to the Mayo Clinic. As the child begin to digest breast milk or formula, the poop will change to a lighter color. The introduction of solid food will bring a variety of colors. Abnormal stool will be red or tarry looking. Call your doctor if you notice white, gray or bloody stool.
Immunization Side Effects
Things you can expect after a vaccine include low-grade fever, bruising and swelling at the injection site, fussiness and poor appetite. Side effects that may indicate a problem include high fever, rash and difficulty breathing. If you notice swelling in the baby's mouth or if you cannot wake your child up, call 911. Even though vaccinations can be unpleasant, they are essential. Most will have few problems other than minor discomfort. If you are concerned, call your pediatrician for advice.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Vaccines and Preventable Diseases: Questions & Answers about Intussusception; 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Basics and Common Questions: Possible Side-effects from Vaccines; 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Infants and Toddlers; Baby Poop: What's Normal?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 0 Through 6 Years---United States; 2011
