Intestinal malrotation is a birth defect in which the bowel doesn’t coil correctly, leaving a narrow stalk that can twist or block. Symptoms often start in the first month of life and can flare suddenly.
Bilious vomiting is the red flag. Green-stained vomit appears within hours of birth or after the first feeds.
Swollen belly shows up fast. The abdomen puffs and feels tight, sometimes with visible loops of intestine.
No stool or gas is passed. The baby doesn’t have a normal first bowel movement, or stools stop completely.
Pain comes in waves. The infant pulls up legs and cries hard every few minutes as the bowel twists.
Lethargy sets in. The baby becomes pale, limp, and hard to wake once blood flow is cut off.
Late signs include bloody stools, fever, and a hard, tender belly—an alarm that the bowel may be dying.
| Symptom | What You See | Quick Check |
|---|---|---|
| Vomit | Green bile | First feed |
| Swell | Tight, puffy belly | Visible loops |
| Block | No stool/gas | Pass test |
| Pain | Pull legs, cry waves | Every few min |
| Limp | Pale, hard to wake | Color check |
| Late | Bloody stool, fever | With any above |