Baby Hiccups In Womb: Should You Be Worried?

Various things change in your body when you are pregnant. There are many things that you feel, some usual, some unusual. You are growing another human in your body, which is no easy task.

After a few months of pregnancy, you start to feel the baby inside the womb. You feel them moving kicking, and often feel baby hiccups in the womb. However, it is not easy to identify baby hiccups in womb.

If this is your first pregnancy, it might be a bit more difficult for you to understand. But seasoned moms also find it difficult sometimes, and sometimes things don’t feel normal. Let’s dig deep and see what the matter is with baby hiccups in womb.

Baby Hiccups In Womb: Is That a Thing?

Baby hiccups are small movements in the baby’s diaphragm that happen when they practice breathing. When a baby inhales in the womb, amniotic fluid gets into their lungs which makes their diaphragm contract. This is when a baby hiccups in the uterus.

You might be wondering what baby hiccups feel like in the womb. Well, baby hiccups in the womb feel like quick, repetitive motions. Initially, it might feel like a kick, but if you think closely, you will find a rhythm like adult hiccups.

Baby Has Hiccups In Womb: Is That Normal?

Hiccups are normal, no matter if that is happening inside the womb. You will start to feel these hiccups from the second or third trimester. Some women feel a little jerk when they are almost five to six months pregnant. However, the timing is different for every woman.

Some babies get hiccups often and several times, whereas some do not get hiccups at all. This is something people need to research more about. However, this case is the same for adults as well. Some get more hiccups than others.

However, some theories say the baby’s hiccups in the womb are directly related to the maturation of the lungs. So, basically, this is a normal reflex, and there is nothing to worry about,

It is important to take note of the frequency and timing of fetal hiccups. However, after the 32nd week of pregnancy, you will not feel baby hiccups in the womb daily. If the hiccups continue daily, you should consult a doctor about the condition.

Contact the doctor if the episode lasts more than 15 minutes or if there are more than three episodes of hiccups in a day. Also, if you feel something, try to move around for a while to understand if that is a hiccup or if your baby is just kicking.

Often, when you eat something sweet, cold, or hot, it stimulates them, and they move. Moreover, they tend to get comfortable just like we do if they are uncomfortable. But it is more likely a hiccup if you are sitting still in the same position and feel a twitch from one particular area of your belly.

What Do Baby Hiccups In The Womb Indicate?

A baby generally gets hiccups when they try different things they can do now. Baby hiccups are an indication of various developmental milestones. This shows they are doing good with their physical development and are ready to make their grand entrance. Well, it indicates certain developments.

Developing Respiratory System

Hiccups indicate that the baby is inhaling and exhaling amniotic fluids just fine. This suggests that their diaphragm is properly developing. This process starts in the 10th week. However, it takes a few more months before you can feel it.

Developing Nervous System

Baby hiccups in womb indicate that the nerve that controls the diaphragm is active. This shows that the spinal cord and the brain are doing well and functioning correctly. This means the nervous system is developing so the baby can survive outside the world.

Baby’s Reflex

Apart from breathing, the baby also practices yawning, thumb-sucking, and everything you like about their being a baby from the time they are in the womb. All of these activities can cause hiccups.

Ways to Track Movements & Baby Hiccups

As time proceeds, your baby will start moving a lot. It might make you uncomfortable, and you might also begin to consider whether these movements are regular. This is why you should start tracking these movements during late pregnancy.

If you pay attention to their movements, you can tell if your baby is doing good or not. Here is how you can count the kicks:

• During the third trimester, try to count how long the baby takes to make at least 10 movements.
• Within a time period of 2 hours, a baby should be making several moves.
• Try to count every day and during the same time if possible.
• If your baby has not moved for a while, drink a glass of cold water or eat something. Moreover, try to push your stomach slightly to wake them up.

You should feel at least 10 movements in 30 minutes. This is not just about kicks. It can involve any movement or activity, like rolling, kicking, and turning. But do not calculate hiccups in this tally. If there is any chance of you feeling uncomfortable, contact your doctor.

Experiencing Baby Hiccups In Different Trimesters

Every pregnancy, every female body is unique. So, it is difficult to point out how frequently you will experience hiccups, or any movement for that matter. While a baby might not have too many hiccups, another baby has hiccups in the womb a lot.

Some women start feeling hiccups from the second trimester itself, and some from their third. By the third trimester, you will get used to the rhythms. This is also when the hiccups get more frequent.

However, this frequency decreases when you are close to delivery. If the frequency increases during this time, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Tips to Manage Baby Hiccups In Womb

Even though baby hiccups can distract you, they are not painful and do not last more than 15 minutes. However, there are times when it might cause discomfort, and you get uneasy and find it difficult to rest. Here are a few things you can try to manage the symptoms:

• Try to lay on your left side.
• Use some pillows to lift over the pressure from your spine and support your bump.
• Eat a good, nutritious diet.
• As long as your doctor recommends, continue to do some light exercises.
• Always stay hydrated.
• Stick to a routine, take a nap, and maintain a regular bedtime.

Frequent Asked Questions

While discussing baby hiccups in womb, people often come across these few questions.

Can baby hiccups hurt a mother?

Hiccups don’t hurt a mother. However, it causes some discomfort sometimes, which reduces in a while. But if it has been a while, and you still cannot relax, consult your doctor.

How long do baby hiccups generally last?

Baby hiccups primarily last for 15 minutes and happen frequently during the third trimester. It reduces when you are close to delivery.

Are hiccups a sign of labor?

Baby hiccups in the womb are never a sign of labor. Moreover, it is just another part of pregnancy that says the baby is developing.

Can baby hiccups indicate a problem?

Generally, baby hiccups in womb are something to be worried about. However, if it persists for more than 15 minutes, then you should contact a doctor. If you feel uncomfortable also, contact your doctor immediately.

So, Can You Feel Your Baby’s Hiccups In The Womb?

If this is not your first child, you already know you must keep track of the movement. If this is your first child, consult your doctor. They will let you know how to track their movement, depending on how your baby is doing.

All sorts of regular fetal movements indicate that the baby is developing, and their systems are working fine. And if there is something unusual you feel, or you feel uneasy, then contact your doctor immediately. In most cases, fetal hiccups are normal. However, if you feel that your baby has hiccups a lot or you don’t feel it enough, then consult your doctor. They will make sure that everything is fine with the baby.