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Bloody stool in infants

Health Watch: Bloody Stool in Infants

Everything is going so well for you and your new baby and then you discover a bloody stool in infants diaper. A bloody stool in infants is not necessarily cause for alarm but there are some things you should know.

When your infant has a bloody stool it could be originating in the gastrointestinal tract or it could be coming from the urinary tract. Many times infants will have a bloody stool because of a rectal tear. A rectal tear is common when infants pass hard stools.

Your doctor will have several questions to ask you when you bring the baby in for a consultation.

She will want to know what color the blood is in the stool. Is it bright red or more brown? She may ask if your baby's stools are ever black.

Your doctor will ask about the general health of your baby. Is your baby growing well? Is there a family history of bleeding disorders? Your doctor may also ask if anyone else living in the home has gastrointestinal symptoms.

Another question your doctor may ask is if your child gets constipated. She may want to know if your child has diarrhea.

Your doctor may ask if your baby is enrolled at a daycare center. All of these questions will help your doctor figure out the cause of the bloody stools your infant is having.

If your infant is experiencing bloody stools you should call to make an appointment with his doctor. The bloody stool is probably not an emergency if your baby seems healthy and happy. If, however, your baby is experiencing intense stomach discomfort, there is significant bleeding in the stool, vomiting or diarrhea you should call your doctor for an immediate visit or take a trip to the emergency room.

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