Poo changes after 2 weeks

[sh00148]

Hi there,

I have a few questions about my daughter who is 2 and has been gluten-free for two weeks following her diagnosis please!

She was originally diagnosed due to having faecal impaction and chronic constipation. Since starting the gluten-free diet, we are still on daily movicol but she is pooping a lot more than before. Could this finally be her naturally clearing out the backlog as her digestive system is actually starting to work again?

Secondly the colour of her stools has recently been a bit pinkish. It does not look like blood, but I wondered if this is normal again for a colour shift post diet change?

Finally, she has had a very large tummy due to the coeliac. How long does this take to go down?

Thank you!

[Scott Adams]

It sounds like you’re doing an amazing job helping your daughter navigate her new gluten-free lifestyle—it can be a big adjustment, especially for little ones! To address your questions:

Increased bowel movements: It’s possible her digestive system is beginning to work better now that she’s gluten-free, and she’s clearing out what wasn’t moving before. Chronic constipation and impaction can take time to resolve fully, and daily Movicol might still be helping this process. Over time, her bowels should normalize as her gut heals, but if the frequent stools persist or seem excessive, it’s worth checking with her doctor to rule out other issues like malabsorption or food intolerances.

Pinkish stool color: Changes in stool color can be common after diet changes, but pinkish stools should be monitored closely. If it’s not blood and doesn’t seem to bother her, it could just be due to something she’s eaten—like certain fruits, vegetables, or food dyes. However, if the color persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, definitely mention it to her doctor to rule out any underlying concerns.

Bloated tummy: A distended tummy from celiac disease can take time to go down as her gut lining heals and inflammation reduces. It varies for every child, but improvements are often seen within a few weeks to months of being strictly gluten-free. Staying consistent with the diet and ensuring she gets all the nutrients her body needs—especially iron, zinc, and B vitamins—will support this process. If the bloating doesn’t seem to improve or worsens, her doctor may want to investigate further.

It’s still early days, so keep doing what you’re doing and stay patient with her progress. Keep track of her symptoms, and don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns at her follow-up appointments. Recovery can be a slow process, but most kids with celiac thrive once their gut heals. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way—she’s lucky to have you looking out for her!

[sh00148]

Thank you. That’s all really helpful. I think it must have been something she ate as the poo colour has settled now. 
 

Starting to see improvements in her tummy, slowly but surely!