Difficulty passing stools, infrequent stools and hard stools are all signs of constipation. This condition can result in several minutes of pushing and straining to no avail. The discomfort of this scenario may lead you to reach for an over-the-counter laxative. But relief may come with a price -- stomach bloating.

If you eat Weetabix you're probably aware of the benefits of a high fiber diet. As a high-fiber food, Weetabix should help keep your bowel movements regular and comfortable; however, you may be surprised to learn that eating Weetabix can have the opposite effect.

Sooner or later, it happens to most everyone — constipation. If you're looking for a natural alternative to taking a medicinal laxative, certain kinds of fruit can often relieve constipation by virtue of their fiber and sugar content.

Cyclobenzaprine, the generic name for the drug Flexeril, is a prescription muscle relaxant and pain reliever. According to Drugs.com, it acts by blocking pain sensations that are sent to the brain. It is typically used with rest and physical therapy to treat muscle conditions and pain.

The definition of constipation is to have fewer than three bowel movements per week, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. If you are constipated, you may also strain during your bowel movements; have small, dry and hard-to-pass stools; or have a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

Constipation is a common problem in infants that causes strain for both babies and parents. Since babies cannot speak, they cannot communicate that they are in pain or are unable to make bowel movements. This is particularly scary for parents, who usually don't know there's a problem until it's a serious issue.

It is not unusual for babies to experience occasional bouts of constipation. An infant's digestive system is still maturing and is therefore very sensitive to any change in diet. It can be difficult for parents to see their child straining and appearing uncomfortable.

Probiotics are living cultures of bacteria that can actually help alleviate constipation, rather than cause it. Learn how probiotics may improve digestion and provide relief from constipation symptoms.

Constipation is most simply defined as infrequent bowel movements or difficulty in passing stools, which are fairly common gastrointestinal problems. According to MayoClinic.com, lifestyle changes such as exercising more, drinking more fluids and eating high-fiber foods can help prevent and alleviate constipation.

When a baby has severe constipation and gas, she might cry for hours at a time. As a parent, that can make you feel frustrated, helpless and very worried. But gas and constipation are normal problems in a baby.

If you haven't had a bowel movement in three days, you could be suffering from constipation. Constipation is sometimes treated with laxatives, but usually only on a short-term basis.

Constipation can cause the stool in the colon and rectum to become dry and hard, making it uncomfortable to have a bowel movement. Stool softeners can be used to soften the stool and make it easier to pass out of the digestive tract.