RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
Newborn and child health experts have advised parents and caregivers to seek prompt medical evaluation when a newborn fails to pass stool within the first 24 to 48 hours after birth, warning that the delay may indicate an underlying health problem requiring medical attention.
The first stool passed by a newborn, known as meconium, is normally expected within the early period after delivery.
According to the experts, failure to pass meconium within the expected period should not simply be assumed to be normal constipation or treated at home without professional assessment.
They explained that delayed passage of stool can have different causes, including conditions affecting the baby’s intestines or digestive system, and determining the cause requires examination by qualified healthcare professionals.
Parents and caregivers were therefore advised to pay attention to the baby’s feeding and general condition and to seek medical care promptly where there are concerns.
Health professionals particularly discourage delaying hospital assessment or administering unprescribed remedies to newborns when abnormal bowel movement is suspected.
Early medical evaluation can help doctors determine whether the delay is temporary or associated with a condition requiring treatment.
Experts stressed that newborn babies are particularly vulnerable and that unusual changes during the first days of life should be discussed with a healthcare professional rather than managed solely through home remedies.
