HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Constipation In Infants?

default
Posted on Thu, 19 Feb 2015
Question:
My new born baby girl ia now 48 days old. she is fine and feeding breast milk properly however since she completed her 40 days she has not been releasing motion frequently as she used to earlier.
Also since last 3 days she has not released motion at all but urinating properly.
I am worried however relatives says its normal situation after completion of 40 days. Today we will give her HEENG if she does not release motion.
Pls suggest some medicine for infant if possible or best way forward.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
avoid heeng. Try lactulose suppositories after 2 more days

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
It is normal for babies not to pay stools everyday after a month of age.
Because they are fed only milk which has very little fibre, and as their digestion iimproves, most of the ingested milk is absorbed leaving very little for stool formation.
Usually I advice my patients to wait for 5 days.
No treatment is required till then.
Avoid heeng. It can cause gastritis.
If baby is very troubled and not passing stools after 5 days try lactulose suppositories
You can insert one quarter of the tube inside the anus
But use it only if baby is really not taking feeds and crying a lot.
As she baby grows this issue will settle.

One more thing: Did you do a thyroid screening test for your baby
baby? If not better to test for it as it can cause constipation too.

Wishing your child good health
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Arun (7 hours later)
Dear Doctor thanks for the valuable advise.
Today is the 5th day. Baby is not at all uncomfortable & behaving as usual.
She is crying only after urination or for feeding. However she is feeding properly & also urinating as usual.
As advised by you, I think I should wait for 2-3 more days before taking any step.

Thanks,
Regards,
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Yes you can wait safely for for another 2 to 3 days.
Regards
Dr Arun
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1959 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Constipation In Infants?

Brief Answer: avoid heeng. Try lactulose suppositories after 2 more days Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. It is normal for babies not to pay stools everyday after a month of age. Because they are fed only milk which has very little fibre, and as their digestion iimproves, most of the ingested milk is absorbed leaving very little for stool formation. Usually I advice my patients to wait for 5 days. No treatment is required till then. Avoid heeng. It can cause gastritis. If baby is very troubled and not passing stools after 5 days try lactulose suppositories You can insert one quarter of the tube inside the anus But use it only if baby is really not taking feeds and crying a lot. As she baby grows this issue will settle. One more thing: Did you do a thyroid screening test for your baby baby? If not better to test for it as it can cause constipation too. Wishing your child good health Regards Dr Arun