What causes constipation in newborns?

The problem of neonatal constipation makes parents anxious, because certain drugs must not be used at this time to avoid side effects. It is necessary to understand the causes of neonatal constipation and prevent it correctly. For example, common neonatal diet deficiencies or improper food ingredients may cause constipation.

1. Inadequate diet

When babies eat too little, there is less liquid left after digestion, resulting in less and thicker stools. When there is insufficient sugar in milk, intestinal motility is weak, which may cause dry stools. Insufficient diet for a long time will cause malnutrition, reduced tension of abdominal and intestinal muscles, and even atrophy, weakened contraction force, forming a vicious cycle and aggravating constipation.

2. Improper food ingredients

Stool is closely related to food composition. If the food contains a lot of protein but insufficient carbohydrates, the intestinal flora will change secondary, the intestinal content fermentation process will be less, and the stool will tend to be alkaline and dry; if the food contains more carbohydrates, the intestinal fermentation bacteria will increase, the fermentation effect will increase, and more acid will be produced, the stool will tend to be sour, frequent and soft; if the food intake is high in fat and carbohydrates, the stool will be smooth. If you eat a large amount of calcified casein, your stool will contain a large amount of insoluble calcium soap, causing increased stool volume and constipation. Among carbohydrates, rice noodles and flour foods are more likely to cause constipation than cereal foods. Children are picky eaters. Many children like to eat meat and eat little or no vegetables. There is too little fiber in their food, which can easily lead to constipation.

3. Intestinal dysfunction

It is common to suffer from constipation due to irregular lifestyle, lack of training for regular bowel movements, and failure to form a conditioned reflex for defecation. In addition, school-age children often do not have the habit of defecating in the morning, and cannot defecate at any time during study time. Holding back bowel movements during class is also a common cause of constipation. Frequent use of laxatives or enemas, lack of physical activity: malnutrition, rickets, hypercalcemia, dermatomyositis, cretinism and congenital myasthenia gravis, etc., all lead to constipation due to weakness and dysfunction of the intestinal wall muscles. Sympathetic nerve dysfunction and weak or paralyzed abdominal muscles also often cause constipation. Taking certain medications can reduce intestinal motility and cause constipation, such as anticholine drugs, antacids, certain anticonvulsants, diuretics, and iron supplements.

4. Physical and physiological abnormalities

Conditions such as anal fissure, anal stenosis, congenital megacolon, spina bifida or tumor compressing the cauda equina can cause constipation. A digital rectal examination, lower spine, and perineum should be performed. Some children are constipated after birth. If there is a family history, it may be related to genetics.

5. Mental factors

Sudden mental stimulation or sudden changes in environment and living habits in children may also cause short-term constipation.