Constipation is a very unpleasant problem that can happen absolutely at any age. Often, infants suffer from constipation. There are many reasons for this phenomenon. Some parents do not have an idea of what a child's chair should be. Others - for a long time do not pay attention to this problem. Ignorance and inattention leads to the fact that any violations of the gastrointestinal tract lead to constipation and pain in infants.
What constitutes constipation in infants?
Constipation in babies happens much more often than one might imagine. Pediatricians claim that this problem is the most common pathology of the digestive system of newborns. Constipation is a difficult process of defecation or a prolonged absence of self-emptying of the intestine for a certain period of time. At different ages, the duration of this gap is different. For newborn infants who are breastfed, the ideal option is the amount of defecation equal to the number of feedings per day. The norm for modern babies is 2-3 times a day. If the child is on artificial feeding, then constipation is considered no defecation more than one day.
If the child has a hard consistency at the age of 6 months, then this, too, indicates constipation. Up to six months the norm is not liquid porridge.
Constipation in infants, too, is a frequent evacuation of the intestine, if the baby is heavily stiff and crying. Cal in this case has the form of marbles, often with streaks of blood.
Constipation in infants is of two types:
- anatomical. Anatomical constipation in infants is a congenital constipation that is associated with defects in the rectum. In this case, the baby suffers from birth. Anatomical constipation in infants, also, can be acquired due to surgery in the abdominal cavity. Children's surgeons deal with such problems;
- functional. Functional constipation in infants is more common and is a consequence of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract.
Causes of functional constipation in infants:
- Baby food. In newborn children, many mechanisms regulating the process of digestion have not yet been formed. Therefore, any changes in diet - the introduction of complementary foods, the transition to a new mixture and others, can lead to constipation.
- Dysbacteriosis. Violation of the intestinal flora in most cases is accompanied by constipation. Infants who are breastfed are much less likely to suffer from dysbiosis.
- A sedentary lifestyle of a newborn.
- Stress.
- Use of medicines without prescribing a doctor.
What to do if the baby suffers constipation?
One of the best remedies for constipation in infants is good drinking. A baby should not be restricted in water. Liquids should be given as much as
If the baby is heavily pushing and crying, then the process of defecation can be stimulated. For this, the child can make a tummy massage before eating. The abdomen of the baby should be massaged clockwise, and the legs should be bent to the stomach. Also effective is laying the baby on the stomach.
Stimulate the defecation process by using a gas pipe. Together with the gases of the child often goes cal.
Constipation in infants can be prevented. To do this, you should breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, do not inject lure up to 5-6 months and follow the correct nutrition of the mother.