Concerns Over Dark Stool in 10-Month-Old
My 10-month-old son, weighing 20 pounds and measuring 33 inches tall, was born a week past his due date under mostly typical circumstances. On the second day after his birth, he experienced green, bilious vomiting. Recently, he underwent X-rays on two separate days, both of which did not reveal anything unusual, and we haven't had any digestive issues until now. Over the last few days, I’ve noticed that his stool has been unusually dark. He has been consuming blueberries and iron-enriched purees, which could potentially be contributing factors. After conducting a fecal test at the pediatrician's office, the results indicated the presence of blood in his stool. The pediatrician observed that his abdomen appeared normal and he didn't show signs of discomfort or vomiting. At this point, we are in the process of having his blood tested, and he has imaging scheduled for Monday. My main concern is ensuring we are taking the right steps in our approach, as I am anxious about the possibility of a missed malrotation.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 3:10:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
Dark stool in a 10-month-old can understandably cause concern, especially with a background of recent gastrointestinal evaluations. In your case, it’s wise that you’ve sought medical advice and have further testing scheduled.
Key Points:
- Dark stool can be influenced by diet, especially from foods like blueberries or iron-rich purees.
- The presence of blood in stool is significant and warrants careful follow-up, as it can signify a variety of issues, though your child's normal abdomen and absence of pain are reassuring signs.
Explanation:
The dark coloration of your son’s stool, combined with the presence of blood, indicates that further investigation is essential. The causes of dark stool in infants can range from dietary contributions (like the ones you're currently offering) to more serious concerns, such as gastrointestinal bleeding, which must be evaluated promptly. Although malrotation (a condition where the intestines are not positioned correctly) is a valid concern, it's often accompanied by additional symptoms like severe pain or vomiting.
Next Steps:
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Continue Monitoring: Keep a close watch on your son’s stool color, consistency, and frequency. Note any changes, including other symptoms like irritability, feeding changes, or signs of abdominal discomfort.
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Dietary Considerations: You may want to temporarily adjust his diet to see if the stool color changes. Note any variations in stool if you reduce or eliminate iron-enriched purees and blueberries for a short period.
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Prepare for Upcoming Tests: Ensure the blood tests and imaging scheduled for Monday are done. These results will guide you and your pediatrician in determining the exact cause of the bleeding.
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Stay Engaged with Healthcare Providers: If your son begins showing any signs of distress, such as increased irritability, poor feeding, or vomiting, follow up promptly with your pediatrician or seek immediate assistance.
Your attentive approach shows you care deeply about your son's well-being. The steps you're taking for further evaluation are crucial in ensuring you get to the bottom of this issue. Please keep a note of any developments and trust your instincts regarding his health.
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