Question
Why does a newborn’s stool turn black?
Answer
A newborn’s stool may appear black due to accelerated intestinal peristalsis, indigestion, or potential intestinal bleeding. Breastfed infants typically have stools that are yellow or green, while formula-fed infants may have lighter yellow stools in larger quantities. If the stool is a ’tar-like’ black color, it may require routine stool tests and occult blood tests to determine if there is internal bleeding in the intestines. Green or dark green stools may be signs of indigestion, and it is recommended to administer appropriate medication to aid digestion. Additionally, if the infant shows jaundice within the first forty days, it could be a sign of pathological jaundice, and liver function tests should be conducted to determine the type, followed by appropriate treatment measures.