My 6 week old?

Question

Is it normal for a 6 week old not to have a bowel movement or could she be constipated.

She hasnt had a bowel movement in 2 days

Answer 1

My baby did, and still does have BM's only once every 5 to 7 days. Her tummy is never hard and she is never crabby. The doctor said once she starts on more solids she will get more regular

Answer 2

A newborn can have as many as eight to ten bowel movements a day, but as long as she is having at least one, she's probably all right. One day without a bowel movement is usually no cause for concern. As long as your baby is feeding well and wetting her diaper five or six times a day, then she's most likely getting enough to eat. If she starts to become uncomfortable or has a persistently swollen abdomen, then she may need some help with pooping, and you should speak to your pediatrician about how to facilitate this.

In the early days, a newborn's bowel movements are thick and dark green in color. This is due to a substance called meconium that has been building up in her intestines during pregnancy. As the baby starts to feed and have bowel movements, she will finish expelling the meconium and her stools will start to turn yellowish. It is not uncommon for an infant's bowel movements to vary in color from day to day. The color of the stools can depend on a variety of things, including what a breastfeeding mom is eating, how hydrated the baby is, and the type and frequency of formula the infant is being fed, if applicable.

Answer 3

I wouldn't worry unless stool is hard and or painful for her to pass. Constipation isn't the length of time between bowel movements. it could be normal, my baby's patterns changed around that age (started going less) As long as she doesn't seem to be in discomfort, don't worry too much.

I wouldn't go trying things to make her go (like suppositories) just yet. She may not need it. And if she's only 6 weeks, don't give her any solids (prunes pears etc) Her little belly can't handle that stuff yet.

Answer 4

No Its not normal for a 6 week old not to go to the bathroom for two days . Its constipated my suggestion is water not cold milk.If the babys tummys hard then its constipated.If theres no bowl movement in the next day go see the doctor.

Answer 5

Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding? Its usually completely normal. I remember with my 3rd baby, I was getting worried because he wouldnt have a bowel movement for days at a time. I was breastfeeding him. Then I read online and in some baby books that it is completely normal for breastfed babies to just have bowels movements once every few days or so.

Answer 6

My son has had problems going to the bathroom in the past. Two days really isn't that long but I would call the Dr. I was told to use the dark Karo syrup (2tsp in 4 oz)in every bottle until my son went and then graduallly stop the syrup. His constipation was so bad that I eventually had to put the syrup in 2 bottles a day (morning and night) to keep him regular. Before we started the syrup a nurse told me to try taking his temp and see if that would help him go. That may be something you might try tonight. My son is now eating applesauce and prunes so we don't have to worry about that anymroe!

Answer 7

I am not sure how long your baby has not had a bowel movement. But i was recently in a similuar situitian my 2 month old didn't poop for three days. I called the pedi. and they said babys can go up to 7 days w/o a poop as long as the poop they aren't pooping rabbit turds(very small and dense) or any blood in their stool. there are baby laxitives at any store but I would check with the pedi. first

Answer 8

Massage your baby's lower tummy regularly and ask the pediatrician about a suppository you can give your baby.

Also, baby food like prunes and apricots will stimulate bowel movement.

It could be just as painful for you to watch your child in pain trying to go. My son went through the same thing and I had to use vasoline and latex gloves to help him go. I was in tears.

Answer 9

I have read that there isnt really any "normal" bowel movements in newborns. As long as the stool isnt hard little rocks, I believe she will be fine. Does she seem irritable? Was there a formula change or if you are breast feeding, a change in your diet?

Answer 10

It depends on what she is eating. If you are strictly breast feeding than yes it is completely normal. The reason is because babies digest most of what is in breastmilk. There is very little waste left to be pooped out. My daughter is 3 months old and i asked that question to my Doctor when she was younger. That what she told me. ( i am no longer breastfeeding.) Now if your not strictly breastfeeding i have know idea. But you should be able to call your doctor. The nurse will be able to answer your question.