Defecation Problems

Control Urination and Defecation

  • 90% of newborns at term (not premature) have their first stool on the first day of life and the remaining 10% occur in the second day. This deposition is one aspect of a “mash” or “slurry” of dark green or black and is called meconium.
  • If a newborn does not defecate within 48 hours of life must be ruled out congenital anomalies, some very dangerous and need for surgery (intestinal atresia, stenosis dudodenal, meconium ileus). There are other causes of delayed onset (hypothyroidism, anal stenosis, aganglionic megacolon).
  • The anal sphincter (deposition), we begin to control after six months and the bladder (urine) from 16 months. Within two years most children and can be controlled properly both sphincters and therefore should be able to “tell”.
  • The best way to promote sphincter control is through the stimulation and gratification. From the year and a half to put the child is sitting on a potty at the same time every day for about ten minutes “and nothing happens.
  • Over time, coincidentally, will occur spontaneous defecation or urination in the potty. This moment must be celebrated (hugging, love, adoption, candy or gift) for the child to appreciate the joy that this behavior arises from their parents. Gradually, the event will be repeated and become a routine.
  • After three years most children no longer “wets the bed.” If this situation continues is called enuresis.
  • After three years most children advised to defecate and do it in appropriate places (potty, bathroom, toilet, toilet). If not called encopresis.