What Causes Babies to Get the Hiccups Inside the Womb?

Feeling a fetus in the womb kick and move can be very exciting for mothers-to-be and other family members. There are some movements, though, that may be confusing or mysterious for the parent. Some mothers may be surprised to learn that these strange, rhythmic movements may merely be a case of the hiccups.

  1. Cause of Hiccups

    • Though extensive research into the exact cause of hiccups in the womb has not been done, experts believe they are caused by fetal drinking and breathing. When the fetus drinks or breathes, amniotic fluid flows in and out of the lungs. This flow causes the diaphragm to contract, resulting in hiccups.

    First Hiccups

    • According to the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, a fetus first develops the ability to hiccup during the third month of the mother's pregnancy. Hiccups appear first during this time frame because the fetus's central nervous system has just developed enough to facilitate the process. Though still too small for the mother to feel, a fetus at this stage is also able to flex arms and legs and move around.

    No Cause for Concern

    • As the fetus grows, hiccups will become more apparent to the mother. Though some mothers recognize these rhythmic movements for what they are, other mothers may become concerned. Experts assure moms-to-be that feeling a baby hiccup is completely normal and should be enjoyed. Recurring hiccups are no cause for alarm. In fact, some babies may have bouts of hiccups multiple times per day.

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