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Constipation in Children What is constipation in children? Constipation is when a child has very hard stools and has fewer bowel movements than normal. It is a very common gastrointestinal (GI) problem. Signs that a child has constipation include: Having fewer bowel movements

Diarrhea in Children What is diarrhea in children? Diarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than

GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) in Children What is GERD in children? GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) is a long-term (chronic) digestive disorder. It happens when stomach contents flow back up (reflux) into the food pipe (esophagus) and cause symptoms or problems

Inguinal and Umbilical Hernias in Children What are hernias in children? A hernia is when a part of the intestine or other tissue pushes through an opening in the belly (abdominal) muscles. The hernia creates a soft lump or bulge under the skin. In children, a hernia often

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) What is PDA? Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. The ductus arteriosus is a normal blood vessel that's part of fetal blood circulation before a baby is born. It’s an extra blood vessel that

Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) in Children What is Down syndrome in children? Down syndrome is a genetic disorder. It is also called trisomy 21. It includes certain birth defects, learning problems, and facial features. A child with Down syndrome also may have heart defects and

Risks of Pregnancy Over Age 30 Many women wait until later in life to have children. In the U.S., birth rates for women in their 30s are at the highest levels in four decades. But an older mother may be at increased risk for things such as: Miscarriage Birth defects Twins High

Adjustment Disorders in Children What is an adjustment disorder in children? An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person’s life. The response happens within 3 months of the stressful event. Some events that

Flat Head Syndrome (Deformational Plagiocephaly) What is deformational plagiocephaly? Flat head syndrome (deformational plagiocephaly) is when a baby’s head develops a lasting flat spot. The flat spot may be either on one side of the head or on the back of the head. This happens

Hydrocephalus What is hydrocephalus in children? A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid in and around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most CSF is normally found in fluid-filled areas (ventricles) inside the brain. Its purpose is to cushion and