What is the reason for the child's stool being spherical?

Patient's question:

A 13-month-old child has round-shaped stools, not one ball at a time. Instead, it seems like the stool is spherical inside the body. When it comes out, it splits into many small balls and is very hard. This has been happening for several days, even with three bowel movements a day. Vitamin deficiency has been ruled out. Duration and onset of the current illness: days

Doctor's answer:

Child constipation. After a baby experiences constipation, the stool passed out is dry and hard. The hard stool stimulates the anus, causing pain and discomfort. The baby may fear defecating and avoid straining, leading to incomplete evacuation of stool. As a result, constipation can worsen. If the stool remains in the body for a long time, it can cause toxins to accumulate, disrupt normal metabolism, and lead to malnutrition and weakened immunity. So, how can we help constipated babies expel the accumulated stool from their bodies quickly?
Massage method: Place your palm downward and gently rub in a clockwise direction over the baby's navel. This can not only speed up intestinal peristalsis, promoting defecation, but also aid digestion. Squeeze a small amount of lubricating liquid to coat the tip of the tube to prevent irritation to the baby's anus.