when do I worry about DD's constipation?

[minipie]

DD is 15 months and has been constipated for about a week. she is trying to poo frequently but often not much is produced, and when she does it's very hard and dry and takes a major effort. her tummy is pretty swollen

Usually a spoonful of prune purée in her porridge will get things back to normal but this time it's not helping.

Any other ideas? When is it time to go to the GP or get some over the counter laxatives (I don't like the idea but on the other hand I really don't want it to turn into impaction or withholding) assuming such things are available for toddlers...

thanks!

[Twighlightsparkle]

Defiantly time for GP but I'd highly recommend the suppositories you can buy in the supermarket, I've forgotten the proper name but they work really well.

[minipie]

Thank you, I will look them up.

re reading my OP it sounds a bit worse than it is - she is producing a fair amount of poo each day, probably the same or almost the same amount as usual. but it's taking many more efforts and it's hard. no harm in seeing the GP though I guess! just didn't want to be overreacting if it's actually quite normal.

[tinyturtletim]

I would maybe try increasing the prune juice and lay of any fibre as it can also bung her up.

Pears, apples, prunes excellent. Pears put water back in and prunes shoot it all clear

[tinyturtletim]

I also agree suppository is better than oral medication, my dd had them for a different reason when a tiny baby.

[pudseypie]

Strawberries, kiwis and dried apricots are excellent at getting things moving but I would also get her checked over by a doctor. Especially if her belly looks swollen and she is struggling. She might need some movicol to soften the poo

[rachyconks]

My DD had this over christmas when she was 13 months. She was in such pain trying to go and cried when trying to poo. It was horrible. We had to rub her tummy to help and put her in extended warm baths then she would go in there. (Bit gross, but I would have done anything to help her).

We have her lactulose (bought in boots) and prune juice. Things were much better in about 48 hrs but needed to keep up the lactulose for about 5 days after to help.

[minipie]

Thanks all. Lots of prune and pear today but still pebbly poos so we have bought some lactulose at the chemist. (movicol is only on prescription at this age apparently). I couldn't find any suppositories? Anyway we'll see how the lactulose does. She doesn't seem upset by it tbh, it's just a bit sad to see her pushing and pushing.

[wadi1983]

I would increase fluid intake

[minipie]

wadi she has loads of milk and water, that's why I don't really understand it. Milk 3 times a day, and water with every meal and snack and in between too, also often has water in the night. Honestly I don't think she could drink more!