Tiny tummies, Big Effort
3/9/2026 by Summer Bernard, M.D.
Tiny tummies, Big Effort
Dyschezia is a medical term that means difficulty pooping. Infant dyschezia happens when babies have not yet learned how to coordinate the different muscles needed to poop. This can make it look like they are struggling to poop, but when they do poop, it is soft. Constipation is different. In babies, constipation is generally defined by poops that are hard.
What does infant dyschezia look like?
• Straining.
• Grunting, crying, screaming.
• Turning red or purple in the face with effort.
• Kicking their feet or squirming.
• Symptoms last for at least 10 minutes.
• Can result in a normal, soft stool — or sometimes no stool.
How long does it last?
Infant dyschezia usually goes away on its own in the first 3—6 months of life. As babies grow, they learn how to coordinate the muscles needed to create enough pressure to push poop out and the muscles needed to relax the anus, so that poop can pass through.
Is there anything that can be done to help?
There is no treatment needed for infant dyschezia — it will get better on its own. Try to keep the environment calm and comfort your baby if they become upset or frustrated.
What should I avoid?
Using suppositories or rectal stimulation is not recommended. These are unnecessary and can interfere with your baby learning how to poop on their own.
When should I contact my child’s doctor?
You should call your clinic or have your child seen if:
• Poops are hard, rock-like, pellet-shaped.
• There is blood in the poop.
• Your infant has other symptoms such as vomiting or new belly distension.
What else do I need to know?
Remember: normal pooping patterns vary widely in babies. Some babies poop several times a day, while others may only poop once per week. Going several days between poops does not always mean that your baby is constipated.
Summer Bernard, M.D. is currently a 3rd year pediatric resident at Mayo Clinic, planning to go into pediatric primary care at the end of her residency.