Question
A concerned parent inquired about their 40-day-old daughter, whose frequency of defecation has recently decreased significantly, with no bowel movement for over a day. The parent wants to know if this is a normal occurrence and what measures should be taken if it requires handling.
Answer
For a 40-day-old infant, not having a bowel movement for more than a day may be a sign of gastrointestinal function issues or constipation. It is recommended that parents encourage the infant to drink more water to promote the fluidity of substances within the body. Under a doctor’s guidance, a moderate amount of constipation medication can be administered. However, the specific dosage should be determined based on the infant’s age and the doctor’s advice. If constipation is diagnosed, it is necessary to seek professional medical treatment.