Question
My baby is four months and five days old, formula-fed and on porridge, but he has to defecate two to three times a day. The first time is a bit dry (not too hard), and the latter times or two are more loose (viscous). What could be the reason? Today, his second stool had a bit of blood. I am very worried.
Answer
Blood in stool refers to the presence of blood in the feces that pass through the digestive tract. The color of blood in stool depends on the location of bleeding, the amount of bleeding, and the time the blood stays in the digestive tract. If the bleeding comes from the lower digestive tract (small intestine, colon, rectum, anus), the stool will appear bright red or dark red. If the bleeding comes from the upper digestive tract (esophagus, stomach, duodenum), the stool often appears tar-like. You mentioned that there was a bit of blood in your baby’s stool, which may indicate bleeding from a lower location. Your baby defecates two to three times a day, with the first time being a bit dry and the latter times or two being more loose (viscous). This situation could be caused by various reasons, such as dietary changes, indigestion, or other digestive tract issues. It is recommended to observe whether your baby’s stool continues to have blood and pay attention to any other discomfort symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, or weight loss. If these problems persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor for further examination and diagnosis. Wishing your baby a speedy recovery!