Help - black sections in toddler poo

[MakeHayIsAWhaleNow]

(Warning - probably tmi!)

My 2.5 yo has just done a poo and the first section of it was black (the rest looked normal). I saved a bit and it's got sort of red-purply slimy bits in it. I can't think of anything he'd have eaten that might have done this - he is not the most adventurous eater! Otherwise he seems fine in himself.

What should I do? Do I need to worry, or get him to a dr? Help - I just don't know!

I am not a medic ( and I am quick to take DS to the GP) so please keep that in mind, but this would alarm me.

I have always heard that bright red blood in poo is nothing to worry about but dark blood is cause for concern.

I would either call the NHS or go see your GP asap, and bring the sample. Best of luck.

Thank you - I am actually panicking so had come to the same conclusions and trying to get through to the GP. They are quite good at urgent appts, thankfully. I have photo too (lucky dr!).

Are you sure he hasn't eaten any blueberries? Or blackberries?

No, not in the last couple of weeks. He has eaten his body weight in blackberries over the last month, but not recently.

I'm really hoping I think of something black he's eaten...but I can't.

Beetroot is the main reason for blackish poo in our house. However DS2 frequently goes through phases of withholding poo, getting hugely constipated and bleeding when he finally gives in to the fact he has to go. There was one particularly nasty episode where he tried to poo but found it too painful and stopped himself. He had bled a bit and when he he finally did the poo it was black due to the old blood.

Although all that sounds horrible DS2 hasn't done himself any lasting injuries and is fine (except for the fact he still hasn't figured out he can avoid "bad poos" by just going when he needs to!) If your DS hasn't been eating beetroot or or similar you should definitely take him to the doctor though. Fingers crossed everything is fine!

I'm so relieved - just woke dh to ask him and he fed him half a packet of beetroot crisps on Saturday. I guess that would fit, time-wise? I now have an appointment with the dr, so I think it might be worth taking him anyway as this is the first time. Thank you so much for your replies (smeehee your poor ds, sounds horrible).

Ah, beetroot- that would do it!

Well hopefully that explains it then! I love beetroot crisps but don't eat them around the children as they're too nice to share!

Both of my DSs love beetroot and I would always try to warn the childminder if they'd been eating it because not only did it give them interesting looking poos but also pink wee when they were younger!

Beetroot always terrifies me the day after I have had some - I tend to have a second of panic at the pink wee before I remember...!

All fine, the dr agreed it was probably the food and said not to worry unless it happens again and he seems unwell with it. Thank you all for your help and reassurance; I hope we all have these strange maternal over reactions to random things?!