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Bowel Habits and Functional Constipation in Healthy Children-A Longitudinal Birth-Cohort Study

C Gatzinsky1,2, U Sillén1,2, M Bräutigam1,2

  • 1Institute of Clinical Sciences, Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|April 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Functional constipation affects one-fifth of young children, often requiring long-term medication and follow-up. Breastfeeding in early infancy may reduce the risk of functional constipation.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Child Health Outcomes

Background:

  • Functional constipation (FC) is a prevalent concern in pediatric healthcare.
  • Parental anxiety regarding infant bowel habits frequently leads to medical consultations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To establish normative data for infant bowel habits.
  • To determine the prevalence and long-term outcomes of FC in early childhood.
  • To identify potential risk factors for FC development.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective longitudinal birth-cohort study.
  • Inclusion of 122 healthy term infants.
  • Repeated parental questionnaire assessments.

Main Results:

  • Stool frequency normalized by 6 months; stool consistency hardened with age.
  • Prevalence of FC was 22.1%; 69.6% required ongoing medication.
  • Relapse occurred in 26.1% of cases.
  • Early breastfeeding (2 weeks) was associated with reduced FC risk.

Conclusions:

  • One-fifth of children develop FC within the first 2.5 years.
  • FC often requires prolonged treatment, frequent medical visits, and sustained follow-up due to high relapse rates.
Abstract

Keywords:
Rome 3 criteriabowel habitsfunctional constipationlong‐term outcome

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