2. Bloody Stools: A Disturbing Indicator
Blood in a baby’s stool can be a heart-stopping moment for any caregiver. The immediate assumption is often trauma or injury. Yet, in the context of NEC, this alarming symptom serves as a stark window into the internal turmoil a newborn might be undergoing.
In the labyrinth of the baby’s digestive system, the intestines are like busy highways. The presence of blood suggests damage to this intricate network. It’s akin to potholes on a road – disruptions that hinder the smooth movement of traffic, or in this case, the passage of waste. The blood’s source is often the tiny blood vessels in the intestines, which can get damaged when NEC sets in.
Now, it’s not about a massive hemorrhage but rather a subtle seeping. The blood mixes with the stool, resulting in either a reddish tinge or dark, tar-like feces. The color largely depends on where the bleeding originates. If it’s higher up in the digestive tract, the blood has more time to be broken down, leading to darker stools.
The intestines are lined with mucus, aiding smooth passage. With NEC, this lining can get disrupted. As a result, mucus mixed with blood can also be present in the stool. It’s this combination that often alarms caregivers, painting a vivid picture of the internal unrest. (2)
