Patient's question:
My son just turned one month old, and it has been a week since he hasn't had a bowel movement. My friend said it might be constipation. I want to know what are the symptoms of constipation in newborns?Doctor's answer:
The symptoms of constipation in newborns are primarily characterized by small, dry, hard, and pebble-like stools (even with daily bowel movements), accompanied by difficulties in defecation, pain during defecation, and incessant crying. Blood on the surface of the stool, stool leakage from the anus, prolonged defecation time, excessive straining, abdominal pain and bloating, suspicion, fatigue, and poor appetite are also common. Infants with severe constipation may even develop anal fissures. The occurrence of anal fissures can cause fear of defecation in infants, making them reluctant to use the toilet, leading to a vicious cycle. Over time, it may result in symptoms such as abdominal bloating, pain, anorexia, and sleep disturbances.