Constipation in Children

What is constipation?

Constipation is defined as:

• A decrease in frequency of bowel movements, compared to a child's usual pattern (some health care providers define constipation as fewer than three bowel movements per week).

• The passage of hard, oftentimes large-caliber, dry bowel movements.

• Bowel movements that are difficult or painful to push out.

However, normal stool elimination may consist of having a bowel movement three times a day or three times a week; it depends on the person. Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal complaints, resulting in 2.5 million health care provider visits annually.

Learn more about constipation.