Question
A 20-day-old male infant exhibits hand wiggling and foot stomping, as if in pain, before bowel movements and requires effort to defecate. What could be the cause?
Answer
Infants crying and showing signs of distress before bowel movements may be due to deficiencies in trace elements, particularly low blood calcium leading to increased excitability of the brain and vegetative nervous system. This condition may affect the quality of nighttime sleep. It is recommended to supplement with calcium and vitamin D. If an infant is deficient in calcium, it may lead to poor closure of the fontanelle; if zinc is lacking, there may be ulcers around the mouth. Additionally, excessive excitement before bedtime or irregular sleep habits may also cause infants to be restless at night. It is suggested to keep the infant calm for 0.5 to 1 hour before bedtime, avoiding overly stimulating activities. At the same time, create a suitable sleep environment for the infant, including moderate room temperature, a quiet atmosphere, and appropriate lighting. Ensure that the infant is comfortable and relaxed before going to bed.