Symptoms

Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They may include:

• Not having a bowel movement for a few days
• Passing hard, dry stools
• Having belly (abdominal) bloating, cramps, or pain
• Not feeling hungry
• Showing signs of trying to hold stool in, such as clenching teeth, crossing legs, squeezing buttocks together, turning red in the face
• Small liquid or soft stool marks on a child’s underwear

The symptoms of constipation can be like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.