Constipation
Babies with trisomy 13 and 18 may be prone to constipation and discomfort can be relieved by diet, fluids, or medication depending on the cause and severity. Midwives may suggest adding a little (brown) sugar to the feed as a temporary measure for the very young baby, but suppositories may be needed for chronic constipation. Always seek the advice of the baby's doctor or health visitor.
"Our son has T. 18 and suffers from chronic constipation. Sometimes the motion would be rock hard and not emerge for 4 or 5 days. Although suppositories and laxatives would work in emergencies our pediatrician preferred a gentler method. He now has paediatric Dioctyl every day. This softens the motion and he manages a bowel movement, on his potty, at least every other day."