My 3 week old son hasn't pooped in two days. He tends to pass gas a lot and acts like he's trying to go poop but nothing comes out. Since I brought him home from the hospital, he's only been pooping about once a day and they are normal looking poops. They are fairly big and mushy but never harder than peanut butter. When he does poop he usually does the same thing, grunt and pass gas. Should I call his doctor about it or should I just give it a few more days and see what happens? He doesn't seem like he's in pain. I just don't like to have him struggle so much when he tries to pass a bowel movement. If anyone can help me out, that'd be great. Thanks.
2006-09-18 05:37:08 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Give it a couple more days. this happened to my daughter when she was 8 weeks old. I was so worried because she had always gone a few times a day, and then suddenly didn't go for 4 days. I consulted a pediatric nurse that I work with who said to give it 5 days, and if she hadn't gone by then to call her pediatrician. She went on day #4. I guess it isn't that unusual.
2006-09-18 05:40:51 · answer #1 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My children's doctor told me that most babies can go over a week without having a bowel movement, especially if they are breastfed. But, to always call if it's been more than 7 days. He also said that most babies do strain and turn red when having a bowel movement, but that it does not always mean that they are in pain or constipated. If your baby is constipated, his poop will look dry, hard and pebble like. When your baby does have a bowel movement, there should be A LOT of poop! These are what I call the "Diaper Blow Out" days. My babies always had a lot of gas, and the doctor told me that it's always a good sign when a baby has gas. It means their digestive system is working properly.
To always be on the safe side though, you should always consult your doctor when it comes to the health of your child, and not rely completely on other people's opinions. Good luck!
2006-09-18 06:31:34 · answer #2 · answered by monarch317 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Call your pediatrician. Babies that young should be pooping at least once a day. If you are breastfeeding, it should be more than that. If you are formula feeding, then you may need to switch formulas. In the meantime, you can give your baby some relief with infant massage. With your baby FACING YOU, rub his belly in a CLOCKWISE motion. This is very important because if you rub the wrong way, it will cause him more discomfort. Do this a few times and then bring his knees to his belly and hold for a few minutes. Then repeat. But do call your pediatrician right away.
2006-09-18 06:41:00 · answer #3 · answered by Melissa B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had the same problem with my son in the past. If he is on formula this could be what is causing this. I found that when my son was on the Prosobee he would not poop. I changed his formula and he seems to be fine now. If for some reason he doesn't poop for 2 days I give him Nestle Good Start and it seems to get his bowels moving. He usually eats the Emfimil Gentleease, because WIC pays for it.
2006-09-18 06:02:22 · answer #4 · answered by Rosey55 D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some babies don't poop every day. If you think he might be constipated give him 1oz of pear juice. No more than 1oz because he's still pretty little at only 3 weeks.
I have to give my 6month old 4oz of pear juce every other day to keep him regular.
But before you do anything, call your pediatrician and if he suggests baby laxitives give juice first.
Also, don't give pedialyte with out the the ped's permission because pedialyte is make for toddlers, so he might want you to water it down or find infalyte which is made for babies.
Dont do anything to a 3 week old with out consulting his doctor first.
2006-09-18 06:15:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My baby did that too. My Doctor told me it's normal for a baby to do that. It's because his digestive system is not quite mature. If he does not poop in another 3 more days go to a drug store and get something called Baby Lax. It will make him poop. Hope everything comes out ok! :)
2006-09-18 06:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
wait 5 days and then call your doctor if he hasn't pooped by then. My son does this sometimes also. Usually after 2 days he finally poops but its really nothing to worry about unless it goes past 5 days.
Good luck!
2006-09-18 08:08:34 · answer #7 · answered by Lisa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are breastfeeding it is possible that he is just digesting and absorbing it all. Breastmilk is so easily digestible that it does happen. Since you describe it as never harder than peanut butter it makes me think you are using formula. It is less likely to be completely digested than breastmilk, but it shouldn't be completely ruled out as a possibility. If your baby is not showing signs of being in pain I wouldn't worry too much about it until he shows signs of pain. Then a very small amount of juice is what my pediatrician recommended...pear is most gentle on newborn stomachs they said.
2006-09-18 06:17:36 · answer #8 · answered by JordanB 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Babies don't always poop every day. If your baby isn't crying and he is still wetting his diapers well (and the urine is light colored, not dark) he probably is just on a slow schedule. Gently push on his tummy to see if he becomes uncomfortable. If his tummy seems bloated, he does begin crying from discomfort I would call the doctor for reassurance. Heck, that is what a pediatrican is for! Never feel silly calling your doctor when it comes to your baby's health.
2006-09-18 06:57:38 · answer #9 · answered by Katie B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have three kids. Rarely ever has any of them gone over two days without a poop. Your baby may be constipated. Is he breastfeeding? Formula? It could be caused by what he's drinking. You may have to make a switch to something different.
Call the doctor and advise them of the situation.
2006-09-18 05:42:39 · answer #10 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋