Rectal Prolapse Concerns in Baby
The short answer
Rectal prolapse, where rectal tissue protrudes from the anus, can occur in young children, usually during straining from constipation or diarrhea. While alarming to see, it is usually mild and self-resolving once the underlying cause (typically constipation) is treated. Gentle manual reduction and addressing constipation are the main treatments.
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By Age
What to expect by age
Rectal prolapse is very rare in young infants. If tissue is protruding from the anus of a newborn, it could be a rectal polyp, prolapse, or another condition and should be evaluated by a pediatrician promptly.
Rectal prolapse is uncommon at this age. If it occurs, it may be related to chronic straining from diarrhea or constipation. Have your pediatrician evaluate it to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
If rectal prolapse occurs during straining for a bowel movement, gently push the tissue back in with a warm, wet cloth. Address the underlying constipation to prevent recurrence. If prolapse happens repeatedly, your pediatrician may investigate for underlying conditions like cystic fibrosis, which can present with rectal prolapse.
Toddlers who strain heavily with constipation or during potty training may experience rectal prolapse. Treatment focuses on keeping stools soft with dietary changes and possibly stool softeners. Most children outgrow rectal prolapse once constipation is managed effectively. Persistent prolapse may need surgical evaluation.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A brief, mild prolapse during straining that reduces on its own or with gentle pressure is concerning but manageable
- You notice tissue protruding from your child's anus during bowel movements
- Rectal prolapse has occurred more than once
- You want to discuss treatment to prevent recurrence
- Prolapsed tissue that will not go back in, is turning dark or blue, or is very painful
- Rectal prolapse with significant bleeding
- Recurrent rectal prolapse in a young infant, which should be evaluated for underlying conditions
Sources
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Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Digestive Concerns
Baby Constipation
Constipation in babies is defined by hard, dry, difficult-to-pass stools rather than by how often your baby poops. Breastfed babies can go several days without a bowel movement and still be perfectly normal. If your baby is passing soft stools comfortably, even if infrequently, they are likely not constipated.
Safe Constipation Remedies for Baby
Safe constipation remedies for babies include tummy massage, bicycle legs, warm baths, and for babies over 4 months, offering small amounts of 100% prune, pear, or apple juice (1 to 2 ounces). High-fiber foods like prunes, pears, and peas help once solids are started. Never give laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without your pediatrician's guidance. Avoid honey, corn syrup, and mineral oil in babies under 1 year.
Blood in Baby's Diaper or Rectal Bleeding
Finding blood in your baby's diaper can be alarming, but the most common cause is an anal fissure - a tiny tear in the skin around the anus caused by passing a hard stool. This produces small amounts of bright red blood on the outside of the stool or on the diaper. Other common causes include milk protein allergy (in breastfed babies whose mothers consume dairy), swallowed blood from a cracked nipple (in breastfed babies), and constipation. While small amounts of bright red blood from a fissure are common, any significant or persistent rectal bleeding should be evaluated by your pediatrician.
My Baby's Belly Looks Swollen
A rounded, slightly protruding belly is completely normal in babies and toddlers due to immature abdominal muscles and their proportionally larger organs. However, if the belly becomes suddenly swollen, feels hard and tight, or is accompanied by pain, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it needs medical evaluation as it could signal gas buildup, constipation, or rarely, something more serious.
My Baby Has an Anal Fissure (Blood When Pooping)
A small streak of bright red blood on the surface of your baby's stool or on the diaper is most commonly caused by an anal fissure, which is a tiny tear in the skin around the anus from passing hard stool. Anal fissures are very common in babies and toddlers and usually heal on their own with simple measures like keeping stools soft. While this is rarely serious, any blood in your baby's stool should be mentioned to your pediatrician.
Tummy Massage for Baby Gas
Gentle abdominal massage can help relieve gas and discomfort in babies by encouraging gas to move through the intestines. The technique involves gentle clockwise circular motions on the belly (following the direction of the digestive tract), the "I Love U" stroke pattern, and gentle knee-to-tummy movements. Massage also provides comforting touch that can soothe a fussy baby.