Question
My baby hasn’t had a bowel movement recently, going three times a day, and the stools feel very dry. What are the symptoms of constipation in newborns?
Answer
The main symptoms of constipation in newborns are dry stools and a decrease in bowel movements. Clinically, an interval between bowel movements exceeding 48 hours can be considered constipation. Some infants may have bowel movements every 1 to 2 days or 3 to 4 days, which is functional constipation and often overlooked by parents, leading to worsened conditions. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of constipation in newborns.