Question
My child’s bowel movements have become less frequent lately, and they seem to be having some difficulty when going to the bathroom. I’m worried it might be constipation. What are the symptoms of neonatal constipation?
Answer
The symptoms of neonatal constipation can be observed from two aspects. First, the frequency of bowel movements has significantly decreased, indicating a lower defecation rate for the baby. Second, the baby may experience difficulty during bowel movements, possibly requiring excessive force or showing pain expressions. In severe cases, the baby may even suffer from anal tears due to overexertion. If you notice these symptoms, the baby might be going through constipation issues. To address this problem, it is recommended that the baby maintain a regular lifestyle, persist with treatment, and pay attention to a light diet and more aerobic exercises to enhance immunity and reduce the risk of illness.