I just changed a diaper and my baby has blood in her stools. She may have been constipated. Her stools were really hard. Do I just keep an eye on her or take her to the doctor? I don't know anything about this stuff, so any advice would be great!
Thx Ladies!!!
I had a doctor appointment yesterday for my bronchitus so I went ahead and asked me doctor about. He said it probably was the hard stools and to watch her diet and watch her poo..lol He said If it continues to bring her in. Thanks so much everyone. I will be using your suggestions for sure!!!!!!
My daughter tends to get constipated. I have started using benefiber, you can get it at most stores, every morning and it really helps! Her pediatrician recommended it. It is easy, dissolves in anything and is flavorless. I just sprinkle about 1/2 tsp on breakfast to help keep her regular. Good luck!
I just talked with my pediatrician about this. He said to feed prunes, prune juice or grape juice. I gave my 6-month old half a jar of prunes and his next poo was back to normal.
If the blood was bright red (fresh) in appearance and on the exterior of the poop, it is probably from some minor tearing due to the size of the BM. I wouldn't worry unless it becomes an ongoing problem.
If, however, the blood is dark, clotted or old looking, that can be a serious problem. Please call your doctor immediately.
I agree with calling the doctor to let them know. It most likely is from hard stool but just the same calling to inform is never a bad idea. My suggestion would be to increase her fiber consumption and start using Probiotics. You'll be amazed at how nicely this works for the digestive system. My son had contant stomach aches and it was because he was literally "full of it". This helped him tremendously and has kept him on track ever since.
We used a fiber powder that can be added to oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt or mixed with cold water. It has a yummy orange or peach flavor and kids love it. The probiotic helps by adding the beneficial flora back to the gut which helps with digestion of food and also boosts the immune system. It comes in a capsule form but can also be opened up and poured into their drink or food. No taste. I swear by it. Don't go with those expensive yogurt drinks or regular yogurt. There's not enough of the good flora in them to be of much benefit. I can show you how to save some money when you buy the brand we buy. You can contact me through my website.
If the stool was pretty hard it is most likely that the blood came from anal fissures, tiny little tears in the anus, that come from pushing out the hard poo. If the stool was "streaked" with blood this is most likely the case. My oldest had this problem frequently as she loved to drink milk and nothing else (very constipating).
The tears heal on their own and are nothing to worry about. Try giving your daughter some diluted apple juice to help soften her stool.
Hi D. - I can imagine how scary this was for you. Something similar happened to me as an adult. Does she cry when she poops? If the blood is still red then its fresh and happening as she poops. If its black then the blood is coming from somewhere deeper inside. Since she has been constipated and her poops have been very hard she may have put a tiny tear in her intestinal wall - called a fissure. (fisher) THese normally will heal on thier own if the stools are softened so it can heal without being re-torn open. However, mine was extreme and required surgery. Try not to panic and of course call her Dr if you suspect its something more serious. Hope this helps....
Hi D., there is something to look for when you find blood. First, is color, second is if it's on the outside or within the bowel movement. My son was constipated and this caused it to appear that he had blood in his stool. Call your doc too, wish you well.
S.
Hi D.-
Check baby's bottom after a BM with blood. She's probably just constipated. However, you may wish to take her to the Dr. for your own peace of mind. She needs more fruits and veggies in her diet- also, more liquid if it is from constipation. S.
My friend is an RN and she said take your baby to the doctor and at the very least, call into one of those nursing call centers. Personally, I never saw blood in any of my kid's stool and if I did I would be at Urgent Care instantly. Take care!
Hi D.,
It might not be in her stool but she may have abrasions on her bottom from the consipation and hard poop. The same thing happened to my daughter when she was around that age. You might want to try putting her on the potty throughout the day so she can try going poop in the potty. I think, with my daughter, she didn't like going in her diaper anymore so she'd hold it in. She's now fully potty trained at two!
Marina
Both my son & niece have this problem..it is recurring. My niece who is now 7 they believe has internal hemorrhoids form having problems pooping. The doctor recommends a low dairy diet & high fiber. I switched my son to soy milk at a year and he doesn't seem to have the problem anymore.
I would definately talk to your doctor about that. It could be something more serious than just constipation.
However, for the constipation, you can give her prune juice or pureed prunes. It really helps my son a lot!! I was worried that he wouldn't eat them because I think they are gross, but he loves the pureed prunes!
I brought this issue up to my daughters dr. once and he asked "How much blood?" A spot or two vs. a larger amount is what makes the difference. A tiny bit is ok, but blood throughout or a large looking amount is cause for concern. There have also been times when I have seen what I thought was blood, but after some thought, I realized it must be raspberries or red bell pepper.
You can always call the nurse and ask her. She would be able to tell you if the child should be seen.
Hi D.,
My daughter experienced this and when I did some research, I learned that children sometimes have to strain just as adults and it very well could have been from being constipated. Also, irritation of the lining around the rectum or little splits and tears that bleed are referred to a fissures and are quite common. The fissures are a result of being contipated and the child having to strain to go to the bathroom.
The most important thing is to treat the fissure by applying some cream and providing your child with a diet that will eliminate the constipation so the fissure can heal.
Once I found out that this is common, I felt better and didn't rush to the doctor. Hope this helps.
L.
Hi D. -
If it was a small amount and the stool was very hard, you are probably correct in your assumption that it is from her being constipated. She may not be getting enough fluids to keep her bowels from drying out. You may consider adding marshmallow or slippery elm in the form of a tea to her diet. Both of these herbs will soften the stool without the nasty side effects of commercial/pharmaceutical laxatives.
If you have any questions, let me know.
Blessings,
M. M. Ernsberger
Certified Clinical Herbalist
I think just to be on the safe side I would call the doc's office and let them advise you on what to do.
Hi D.,
Was it just like a trace of blood or did her poopy look really dark? If it was just a small trace and it didn't continue the next day and she's not uncomfortable she's probably fine. But something I always do if I'm not sure if call the triage nurse at our pediatrician. They are so patient and answer questions without making you feel dumb.
:)
C.
