Defecation patterns in infants: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Data regarding prevalence and natural history of infant dyschezia, defined by the Rome III criteria as straining and crying for at least 10 min before successful passage of soft stools, are lacking.

Objective: We aimed to investigate prevalence and natural history of infant dyschezia.

Study Design: In 2003, 124 youth healthcare doctors participated in a national study on defecation patterns of infants.

The defecation pattern of healthy term infants up to the age of 3 months.

Background: Defecation problems occur frequently in infants. A clearer insight into the normal defecation pattern is required to gain a better understanding of abnormal defecation.

Aim: To describe the defecation pattern of healthy infants in The Netherlands.