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What Causes Constipation In An Infant?

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014

Question: my baby girl is 1 month old and relies on SMA baby formular alone, that is she does not breast feed and i notice she stretches her body often and on, is this a concern?

Also i notice she has constipation as she finds it hard to poo and it is usually hard like an adult's, she also sneezes very often. Im a new mum what do i need to know about all this, i want to ensure the best for my child.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Have few questions for you please...?

Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic. I understand your concern. I have a few questions and will suggest few possibilities.

Questions:
1. What was the birth weight and what is the current weight?
2. Is the stool so hard that it is having blood stains on it?
3. You say she is arching - does she arch backwards by herself or only after feeding?
4. Are feeding her by bottle or by spoon or paladey?
5. Is she passing stools daily or only weekly twice or thrice?

Possibilities:
1. Well kid.
2. Gastro esophageal reflux

Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (18 minutes later)

1. Her weight at birth was 3.2kg, i am not sure of her current weight, but she is fatter now.
2. no there is no blood stain.
3. she archs backwards by herself, at anytime.
3. feeding is by bottle
4. she stools once a day

thanks

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be Gastroesphageal relfux

Detailed Answer:
Hi...by what you quote I think the constipation is due to her formula feeding, which occurs quite commonly in bottle and formula fed infants.

There seems to be a component of Gastro-esophageal reflux too and for this if I were you treating pediatrician I would definitely give a try of anti-reflux measure like Domperidone and Lansoprazole for 8 weeks and see the response. As these 2 are prescription drugs I recommend you consult your pediatrician before starting these.

I wish your kid a speedy recovery. If you need any future medical consultation and suggestions, I will be glad to help. You can approach me at the following link. Please find the link below.
www.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-sumanth-amperayani/67696

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (12 minutes later)

thanks doctor.
someone suggested to give her water often, would this help?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please do not give water

Detailed Answer:
Hi...I am very happy that you have asked me before giving water. Please do not give water. It might result in her gastrointestinal tract getting infected and might result in diarrhea. This constipation is common in almost every kid with formula feeding.

If you are happy with my response, kindly rate it.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (13 minutes later)

Ok, should i maintain the normal water and not give it too often?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No water. Only breast milk or formula feed

Detailed Answer:
Hi....do not give water till 6 months of age. You can give only breast milk or formula feeding till 6 months of age. But in preparing formula feed, you can use boiled and cooled water.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar