Why is there blood and mucus in my newborn's stool?

Question

Hi doctor,

Good evening. I saw a small amount of mucus-like blood on the stool of my three-day-old son, just a small amount, and I have a picture of it.

What could be the cause, and is this normal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your history and can understand your concern.

I can understand your concern.

Looking at the picture (attachment removed to preserve patients' identity), it looks like some red tinge, which definitely requires confirmation. If he is otherwise normal, feeding well, active, and passing urine well, then wait for the next bowel movement. It can be just due to swallowed maternal blood during delivery.

If the same thing persists, then get it checked up by a stool test. If it confirms blood and persists, it needs to be addressed. Though there are multiple causes for this issue. Some are simple and do not require much to do and nothing to worry about, but some require immediate attention.

A few more details will help to advise you in a better way, like

Is he a full-term baby or premature?
Which milk is he on (breastfeeding or formula milk)?
Is he active & feeding well?
Is he having any redness around his belly button (umbilicus)?
Is he vomiting?

To summarize, if he is otherwise ok, wait for the next motion. If the same things occur, then get a stool test and confirm if it is blood or not. If it is blood, consult your pediatrician or neonatologist for a proper physical examination and evaluation.

I hope it helped with the query.

If you have any further doubts or queries, just share full details

I would be happy to guide you.

Thank you.