Hiccups: from the womb to symptoms.

hiccups in babies

“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 .