Hiccups happen when there is a sudden contraction of the diaphragm. This is because the diaphragm pushes air out of the lungs, and another spasm causes it to suck air back in. Several reasons can cause the hiccups: eating too quickly, swallowing air, drinking carbonated drinks, and sometimes just seeing someone else hiccup.

There are many theories as to why babies get hiccups in the womb. One theory is that as the baby swallow’s amniotic fluid, they swallow too much at one time and then contract their diaphragm to bring back up what they swallowed.

Another theory is that as the baby moves around in the womb, their vocal cords clench and unclench quickly, which causes them to hiccup.

Hiccups in the womb are considered normal. They usually go away on their own within a few days or sometimes a few weeks after birth.

If the hiccups continue after birth, they may be caused by problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease or a functional gastrointestinal disorder. An infection may also cause hiccups in the lungs, respiratory issues, or heart problems.

How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Hiccuping?

If you notice your baby’s belly going up and down quickly, like they are trying to catch their breath, this is a sign of hiccuping.

You may also hear a clicking noise from your baby’s throat when they are hiccuping. Babies with severe hiccups will also become agitated and cry harder than usual.

What are Fetal Hiccups?

Fetal hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle that control the lungs. The hiccups are often seen on ultrasound scans when a developing baby is in its third trimester of pregnancy. Fetal hiccups are caused by swallowing amniotic fluid that contains carbohydrates and proteins from the mother’s diet.

Most hiccups are harmless and go away on their own. However, severe hiccups can make it difficult for a baby to get the nutrients and oxygen he needs.

In rare cases, fetal hiccups can be a sign of hypoxia, a low oxygen level in the baby’s blood. If a woman’s doctor finds that her baby has fetal hiccups during an ultrasound exam, she may be given special instructions or extra tests to monitor her baby’s health.

What Do Fetal Hiccups Feel Like?

Fetal hiccups feel like regular hiccups. The baby’s diaphragm contracts and pushes up on the lungs and stomach, causing the baby to take a deep breath momentarily and then quickly relax. This happens about once every ten minutes or so and is quite common.

What to Do About Fetal Hiccups?

There is nothing you need to do about the baby’s hiccups. They are normal and will pass on their own. There’s no real way to prevent them either.

It is believed that they may be caused by the baby swallowing amniotic fluid. Since the baby can’t burp, the air makes its way into the lungs and causes hiccups.

Some mamas-to-be worry that their baby is having trouble breathing or swallowing because of fetal hiccups, but this is not true. They can’t drink amniotic fluid, so they don’t need to breathe correctly or eat to take in what they need from amniotic fluid.

Fetal hiccups are also an excellent time to remind yourself that every pregnancy is different. Just because your best friend’s baby never had hiccups doesn’t mean that yours won’t. And just because your neighbor’s little one had hiccups at 35 weeks doesn’t mean that yours will too!

Fetal Hiccups: How Often Is Normal?

Fetal hiccups are common and happen around the 24th week of pregnancy. Hiccups in babies can also occur, but typically they don’t start until they are six months old. Fetal hiccups are not something that should worry or concern you, but they can be a sign that your baby is healthy and developing well.

What Causes Fetal Hiccups?

Doctors aren’t sure what causes fetal hiccups, but they know there is nothing for you or your baby to worry about. Your baby’s hiccups are likely caused by the movement of the diaphragm, which is the muscle that helps with breathing.

Some pregnant women experience a condition called “hypnic jerks,” or involuntary muscle spasms during sleep. The same is true for babies in utero, and this may be what causes fetal hiccups.

What Are the Symptoms of Fetal Hiccups?

Many pregnant women don’t even notice that their babies have hiccups while still in the womb because they don’t cause any discomfort. One of the symptoms you might see is brief periods of rapid breathing (similar to a fast heartbeat).

A sudden contraction in your uterus lasts just a few seconds and is not painful. This could be mistaken for a Braxton-Hicks contraction (practice contraction), as it can feel like your baby is pushing on your belly.

This can happen several times in one session, or it may happen just once or twice throughout the day. Rest assured that this is not a sign of preterm labor and should not cause you concern.

It’s also normal for these contractions to become stronger as you get closer to delivery, so if you notice them happening more often and becoming more painful than before, it may be time to contact your doctor for an appointment.

When Do Fetal Hiccups Start?

Fetal hiccups usually start around 20 weeks gestation (the second half of pregnancy) but can occur as early as 12 weeks gestation or as late as 36 weeks gestation (the last few weeks before birth).

They will stop shortly after birth when the baby receives oxygen directly from outside sources rather than through the placenta. Most fetuses will exhibit a few episodes of fetal hiccups during birth preparation, usually around 36-37 weeks gestation; however, most babies will not exhibit these throughout their entire stay in utero due to lack of space.

Occasionally, a healthy fetus may experience an episode that lasts for several days. This could be because they have become entangled in the umbilical cord and cannot move freely enough inside the uterus to get comfortable again to take a deep breath momentarily until they are delivered via C-section. This is, however, a rare occurrence.

When to Call Your Doctor About Fetal Hiccups?

While fetal hiccups are certainly nothing to worry about, you should call your doctor if they are frequent or seem unusual. If they occur more than once every 10 minutes or last more than 30 minutes, this may signify fetal distress. Also, call if you notice that your baby is unusually fussy or having problems breathing.

Conclusion

Since fetal hiccups are so common, many doctors will not even come in for them. They would likely tell you to wait it out and call again if the baby’s hiccups continue.