How often does a newborn pass meconium?

Under normal circumstances, the feces excreted by the baby after birth are usually black. In fact, this is a normal phenomenon, which is what we often call meconium. Generally speaking, the meconium will be discharged in 3 to 5 days. Since the physical condition of each baby is different, the time of meconium discharge is also different. After the meconium is discharged, the baby's feces will be yellow or golden yellow. The baby's feces can reflect the baby's physical health.

How long does it take for a newborn to start passing meconium?

Within 1-3 days after birth, newborns will excrete dark brown or dark green meconium. It is formed by the accumulation of sediment in the amniotic fluid swallowed by the fetus in the mother's womb. After delivery, the baby begins to breastfeed, and the intestines move rapidly to expel meconium. Generally, the color of the stool will turn into a yellow paste after 3 days, and bowel movements will occur about 3-5 times a day.

If the newborn still has no meconium within 24 hours of birth, it may be caused by sticky meconium blocking the rectum. There is also the possibility of congenital abnormalities in the intestines or anus. At this time, be sure to consult a doctor. Newborns should urinate for the first time within 12 hours of birth. The frequency is generally about 10 times a day, and the urine is slightly yellow but very clear.

Some newborns will have little or no urine due to excessive water loss and very little milk intake. At this time, you can let them suck more breast milk and feed them more sugar water, and their urine volume will gradually increase.

What to do if meconium cannot be discharged

First, massage your abdomen. If the baby has difficulty excreting meconium, you can help the baby massage the abdomen, which is beneficial to intestinal peristalsis and promotes the excretion of meconium.

The specific method is to rub your hands to keep them warm, and massage in a clockwise circle with the baby's navel as the center. Massage 5 times, rest for 2 minutes, and then massage 5 times. Repeat 3 cycles.

Second, enema to defecate. If the baby's meconium cannot be discharged smoothly, you can ask the doctor to give an enema to promote defecation. Generally, use isotonic warm saline, 15 to 30 ml for enema each time. You can also use glycerol/sodium chloride (suppository) and gently inject 5 ml into the anus each time. Keep it for a few minutes and it will be effective.

Third, increase your diet. If meconium has not been excreted within 5 days, it may be related to insufficient food intake. It is recommended to increase feeding and go to the hospital for treatment if necessary to rule out pathological factors.

The baby will pass meconium within one or two days after birth, so parents don't need to worry too much about this. If the baby cannot pass meconium within 24 hours after birth, you should consider whether there is a problem with the digestive tract and ask a doctor to check and treat it promptly. Mom and dad should treat their babies gently and spend more time and patience to teach them.