“Why is he hiccuping?” is a question that expectant mothers ask even before the baby is born. Rhythmic jerks in the mother’s tummy can indeed be the first signs of hiccups — this is normal and indicates the maturation of the baby’s nervous system.
But after birth, hiccups sometimes don't go away, but instead occur even more frequently — and this begins to worry parents.
What are hiccups?
Hiccups are sudden, involuntary contractions of the diaphragm (the muscle between the chest and abdomen) that cause a sharp intake of breath and the characteristic “hic” sound.
Why do babies get hiccups?
In most cases, hiccups in babies are a harmless physiological reaction :
- after feeding
- due to swallowing air
- due to hypothermia
- due to emotional arousal
It usually goes away on its own and does not require intervention.
When should you consult a pediatrician?
Pay attention if:
- hiccups last a long time or occur very frequently
- the child burps after every hiccups
- arches back, restless after eating
- sleeps poorly or seems agitated
This could be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux or even a neurological problem .
Why is it better not to ignore hiccups?
We do not underestimate any of your worries: maternal instinct is a powerful tool . Sometimes it is better to check your child than to accidentally miss an important signal.
Our pediatricians will carefully examine the baby, and if necessary, they will connect a neurologist or gastroenterologist .