Newborn Does Not Poop: Causes, Solutions and Massages
One of the concerns of parents is when the newborn does not poop . In fact, this problem is often linked to situations of crying and irritability due to the swollen and painful belly.
Constipation and obstipation are NOT normal , just as gas colic in newborns is NOT normal.
Continuing to use the tube, laxatives or thermometer is NOT the solution , on the contrary; you only risk that your child will increasingly forget how to evacuate independently.
But what is the real cause of constipation in newborns? I will reveal it to you in this article and I will also advise you on what solutions to adopt to help your baby poop.
Before starting, I'll leave you some useful information:
- If you would like to schedule a studio visit with me, you can find me here.
- You can also find me on Instagram with the profile @drsilva.com_official
- In this course you will find a practical guide on how to help your baby poop and solve a stomach ache.
Newborn Does Not Poop: Introduction
It may happen that your child does not poop for a few days or is unable to completely or partially empty the colon (final part of the intestine).
In fact, newborn constipation is an aspect that affects approximately 5-7% of children. However, if we analyze the statistics on gastrointestinal disorders that affect children during their first months of life, it will be possible to find these problems in 35% of cases .
Constipation is when the newborn is unable to evacuate for 2-4 days and often causes stomach ache, swollen abdomen, irritability and lack of appetite.
Causes of constipation in newborns
I have heard many times of parents who have turned to their pediatrician and have been told that the situation is almost “normal”. In fact, it is usually said that the child still has to learn to coordinate bowel movements and the release of the sphincter to evacuate normally.
Nothing could be more wrong .
There is nothing normal about a newborn baby not pooping for several days.
Thanks to recent studies, the real cause of constipation, dyschezia and gas colic has been identified. In fact, it has been discovered that they are all consequences of an intestinal inflammatory condition , but I will talk about it in more detail in the next chapter.
Studies to understand the real causes
Recently (in 2018), new studies have managed to identify the real reason for gastrointestinal problems: intestinal inflammation .
In fact, analyzing the poop of children with these problems, high levels of fecal calprotectin were identified. These data represent the presence of inflammation in the intestine.
Therefore, constipation is due to the alteration of peristalsis and intestinal contractile capacity due to the inflammatory picture. This also explains why the child often suffers from a swollen belly and pain in association with constipation.
