New parents often worry about their baby's frequent hiccups. Rest assured, hiccups are perfectly normal in healthy babies. Although no one knows the exact reason for hiccups, it is understood that they often occur in the fetus during the first trimester of pregnancy, and gradually occur with less frequency as the baby develops and grows older. Hiccups are generally considered harmless in babies, and are seldom a more than a nuisance to the parents. Although hiccups are rarely the sign of a more serious underlying medical condition, you should talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
What are Hiccups?
A hiccup is an involuntary contraction of a muscle in the human body called the diaphragm. The diaphragm is at the bottom of your ribcage, and it is the muscle that allows you to breathe. During normal breathing, the diaphragm alternately contracts and relaxes. When your baby is hiccuping, however, this muscle is having spasms. When your baby's diaphragm suddenly contracts, air quickly enters his lungs and closes his epiglottis. When his epiglottis closes suddenly, it causes your baby's body to make the "hic" sound of the hiccup.
Are My Baby's Hiccups Normal?
According to the National Institutes of Health, hiccups are common and normal in both newborns and infants. Babies are even more prone to hiccups than adults, since their lungs are are still forming and respiration and feeding is still new to them. A 1997 study by Kahrilas, P.J. and G. Shi in the "International Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology" found that premature babies, for example, spend on average 2.5 percent of their time hiccuping, since their lungs had not finished developing before they were born. In fact, babies begin hiccuping even before they are born. Hiccups can begin as early as the sixth week of fetal development, and many pregnant women can feel their baby hiccup in the womb.
Can I Get Rid of My Baby's Hiccups?
Although there are infinite old wives' tales about getting rid of the hiccups, none are scientifically proven, and some are actually bad for your baby. For example, many cultures advise eating honey to cure hiccups, but honey is dangerous for babies under 1 year old, and should never be given to a baby in an attempt to "cure" hiccups. Hiccups should run their course and go away in a few minutes. If you want to try something, burping your baby or trying to get him to relax are often the best ways to interrupt an onslaught of hiccups. Though these methods may not always cure hiccups, they certainly will do no harm.
Can I Prevent my Baby's Hiccups?
Although there is no real cure for the hiccups, there are steps a parent can take to prevent them in their baby. Overstimulation has been proven to cause hiccups in infants, therefore keeping your baby relaxed can prevent hiccups, and relaxation also helps to relax the diaphragm. Also, if your baby is hiccup-prone, try to feed her while she is still calm and before she gets too hungry and fussy. This should reduce the chances of her getting a case of the hiccups while she is feeding.
When Should I Be Concerned?
Hiccups are usually harmless, and usually disappear on their own after a few minutes. They also seem to bother the worried parents of hiccuping babies more than they bother the hiccuping babies.
If, however, your baby's hiccups are persistent and frequent enough that they interfere with your baby's regular feeding and sleeping patterns, you should contact your pediatrician. Very occasionally, hiccups are an indication of a more serious problem, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Often, babies with GERD hiccup more frequently, and their hiccups are accompanied by spitting up, coughing and irritability.
