Iron supplements causing 6 week old stomach ache?

[ThatPeachHedgehog]

Hello,
Just looking for a bit of advice really! DS was born 36+5 so as he was 2 days off 37 weeks he was classed as premature. He is now 6 weeks (3 weeks corrected age) and we have been giving him iron supplements daily since his due date (so 3 weeks) as advised by the doctor due to him being 'premature'.

He's been suffering really badly with what seems like a painful tummy every day! Painful crying in between feeds, arching back, red face, etc. and it seems to be getting worse. And we've just realised it's been since starting the iron supplements, not sure if a coincidence..

I don't think it's reflux as he's only spit up a few times, is gaining lots of weight, is soothed when feeding etc. So just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience and iron supplements were the cause?

Thank you so much, I've found mumsnet to be such a support since DS arrived.

Iron typically causes constipation. How often is your little one pooing?

Thanks for your reply @Orangelemonbanana he's pooing several times a day, although when he poos he does make a hell of a noise like it's painful for him/an effort to push it out

Is his poo a soft consistency and a yellow colour?
It could be irritation in the digestive tract from the iron or something else entirely. Definitely book him in to be reviewes by your GP.

@Orangelemonbanana his poos are all soft and yellow as normal. We have an appointment with the HV on Tuesday and his GP check up the following week so will check with both. Hoping it's the iron and if we stop it'll solve the issue. Wishful thinking maybe as I'm worried about colic!