BAD gas vs constipation

how do I tell the difference....Alyson SCREAMS as she is working up to a poopie diaper, but how do I know if it's constipation in which I can help or if it's bad gas that I can't help her with.

I was near crying because she's SO miserable

Re: BAD gas vs constipation

I have yet to figure this one out. If I think its gas I just give her some Mylicon and hope for the best.
Miranda went through the crying phase with poops but has grown out of that too. Now she has an oh so feminine (not really) GRUNT that she does.

Re: BAD gas vs constipation

If it's constipation, she'll have hard, formed little poops. Sometimes newborns just have a hard time getting their digestive systems working so they grunt alot for anything - passing gas and pooping.

Re: BAD gas vs constipation

If it's constipation, there will be no bowel movements for a few days. Here are a few things you can do if it's gas.

1) try putting her knees up to her chest when you hear her going

2) try moving her legs in a circular bike motion helps

3) try rolling her to her side and putting her knees to her chest..

4) with her on her back, rub her lower back/buttocks.. it sometimes helps get them out.

Good luck.. That gas can be horrible.

Re: BAD gas vs constipation

When they are young (meaning up to 3 months) their digestive systems aren't quite mature, so they have trouble passing gas and having bowel movements. Unless what she's passing is very hard, it isn't constipation, she's just having trouble getting it out, so to speak. When this happens to Alex, I pump her legs while she's lying on her side. It usually helps.