Infrequent stools and bloating are classic symptoms of constipation. Although dietary factors often lead to constipation in older babies and adults, this condition in newborn babies can signal the presence of an underlying health condition. Even though home remedies may help older babies and young children, constipation in newborns always requires a proper medical diagnosis.
Symptoms
Constipation is the term for a change in bowel movements that includes the formation of dry stools passed during infrequent movements. Other symptoms of constipation include bloating and straining during bowel movements. Abdominal or rectal pain may also occur, making your newborn fussy and irritable. Introducing new foods to older babies commonly causes constipation in babies, while other conditions are more likely to lead to this condition in newborn infants.
Hirschsprung’s Disease
Intestinal blockage in newborn babies can lead to symptoms of constipation. Hirschsprung’s disease accounts for approximately 25 percent of all intestinal blockages in newborn infants, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition occurs when the nerves that trigger digestive contractions fail to develop properly, leading to areas of waste build-up. This congenital condition occurs more commonly in boy babies. Depending on the extent of this disorder, your newborn may require surgery that removes the abnormal section of colon.
Volvulus
Volvulus is the medical term for a twisted intestine. Volvulus may occur due to intestinal malrotation, a type of birth defect. Newborns with this condition may vomit a greenish substance and develop a distended abdomen. Abdominal tenderness and bloody stools may also accompany symptoms of constipation. Your baby may go into shock without prompt medical treatment. This urgent situation requires emergency surgery to remove necrotic sections of intestine and restore proper blood flow throughout the digestive system.
Precautions
Seek medical attention for newborns who experience symptoms of constipation. Although the frequency of normal bowel movements may vary from baby to baby, your newborn should pass his first stool within 24 to 48 hours after birth, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other digestive disorders in newborns, including watery diarrhea, vomiting, explosive stools and poor feeding, also require medical attention.
