Six month old with trouble with bowel movements and stomach aches.

Six month old with trouble with bowel movements and stomach aches.

by Tara
(USA)

My son is just over 6 months old. He has been having trouble with bowel movements for the last 3 weeks or so. In addition, he is waking up at least once if not a few times a night screaming in pain (my guess from a stomach ache).

I have cut out all foods that may be binding, increased prunes, and even given him Miralax on occasion. Even if his poop is not hard, he still struggles to go. Nothing seems to be helping.

He went from sleeping through the night at 5 weeks and being very happy to being up a lot and being more irritable. I have been given conflicting advice. What do you recommend? Last time I took him to the doctor they said to give him more prunes and that's it. After a month of this, I'm beginning to get very frustrated.

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Six month old with trouble with bowel movements and stomach aches.

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Aug 31, 2009
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A few possibilities...
by: Heather ;-)

Tara,

It is frustrating when our little ones seem to be suffering and we can only stand by and twiddle our thumbs. Even so, here are some general thoughts I had after reading your post.

First, since the poop is soft, constipation is probably not an issue here. More likely, it looks like he may be suffering from dyschezia.

This would be rare, since he's older than 6 months, but it's still an option you could discuss with your doctor. Dyschezia is not a serious condition. In fact, the current only treatment is to wait it out. (Yeah, great help, huh?!)

I'm not diagnosing him here. I'm just suggesting that's something you may want to discuss with your doctor.

Are the stools just soft? or watery? Does there seem to be any "jelly-like" substance in them? Do you see any blood.

The condition called "Intussusception" is more serious and requires immediate care. It's when there is a blockage in the intestines. The watery stools with blood and sometimes "jelly" substances are signs of this.

Intussusception is twice as more common in boys than in girls and tends to focus around the 6 month - 3 year age range. I believe (but don't quote me on this) that they use X-rays to diagnose this. Obviously, your doctor is the expert in this area, I would ask him/her.

Finally, it could just be gas pressure in his tummy. If you're breastfeeding, consider the foods you've been eating and try eliminating them (broccoli and green peppers were a culprit for me). If you're using formula, consider switching to soy-based (or milk depending on what you use now) or asking your doctor for a sample of a hypoallergic formula to try.

Mylicon drops are a MUST in my baby cabinet, and always worked well to settle down tummies for me. Some parents have had a similar experience, some haven't. You'll just have to try them and see.

This is all I can think of right now...I'll post again if something else pops in my brain. Feel free to write back!

much care,
Heather

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Aug 31, 2009
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Submitted by: Heather ;-)

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Tara, It is frustrating when our little ones seem to be suffering and we can only stand by and twiddle our thumbs. Even so, here are some general thoughts I had after reading your post. First, since the poop is <i>soft</i>, constipation is probably not an issue here. More likely, it looks like he may be suffering from <a href="http://www.the-essential-infant-resource-for-moms.com/Dyschezia.html">dyschezia.</a> This would be rare, since he's older than 6 months, but it's still an option you could discuss with your doctor. Dyschezia is not a serious condition. In fact, the current only treatment is to wait it out. (Yeah, great help, huh?!) I'm not diagnosing him here. I'm just suggesting that's something you may want to discuss with your doctor. Are the stools just soft? or watery? Does there seem to be any "jelly-like" substance in them? Do you see any blood. The condition called "Intussusception" is more serious and requires immediate care. It's when there is a blockage in the intestines. The watery stools with blood and sometimes "jelly" substances are signs of this. Intussusception is twice as more common in boys than in girls and tends to focus around the 6 month - 3 year age range. I believe (but don't quote me on this) that they use X-rays to diagnose this. Obviously, your doctor is the expert in this area, I would ask him/her. Finally, it could just be gas pressure in his tummy. If you're breastfeeding, consider the foods you've been eating and try eliminating them (broccoli and green peppers were a culprit for me). If you're using formula, consider switching to soy-based (or milk depending on what you use now) or asking your doctor for a sample of a hypoallergic formula to try. Mylicon drops are a MUST in my baby cabinet, and always worked well to settle down tummies for me. Some parents have had a similar experience, some haven't. You'll just have to try them and see. This is all I can think of right now...I'll post again if something else pops in my brain. Feel free to write back! much care, Heather

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