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What Are the Causes of Hiccuping in the Womb?
Pregnant women often feel a mild spasm or movement of the entire belly, which can actually be fetal hiccups. A fetal hiccup is different from a fetal jerk or kick, which are felt as thumps on a specific area of the belly. Hiccuping in the womb may cause anxiety for pregnant women, but this phenomenon is normal and essential for fetal development. There are very few studies about it, and its exact cause has not been yet identified. The various theories suggest that hiccuping is related to amniotic fluid, reflex development, or umbilical cord compression.
Fetal hiccuping may begin late in the first trimester or early in the second. At this stage, the mother usually cannot feel it; she usually won't feel anything until late in the second trimester or early in the third. Hiccups may continue through the end of the pregnancy. Although they cannot be felt in the earliest stages, a Doppler machine can detect them.
One of the suggested causes of hiccuping in the womb is the amniotic fluid. When amniotic fluid goes into and out of the fetal lungs, the diaphragm contracts, which might cause hiccups. Fetal hiccups may actually help in the preparation of the lung functioning for breathing after birth and in the regulation of the fetal heart rate late in the pregnancy.
Some medical professionals suggest the cause of fetal hiccuping is the reflex development for sucking and swallowing. Sucking ensures that the baby will be properly able to nurse right after birth. Swallowing prevents the baby from aspirating milk into his or her lungs.
Hiccuping in the womb for more than 10 minutes may be associated with umbilical cord compression. This is bad for the baby inside the womb because it may cause fetal distress, which may eventually lead to death of the baby inside the womb. For this reason, abnormally persistent fetal hiccups should be reported to a medical professional and closely observed. The healthcare professional usually recommends an ultrasound to confirm cord compression.
Fetal hiccups generally do not cause discomfort, but they may occasionally cause anxiety to pregnant women. There is no way to prevent or stop them, and there is usually nothing to worry about it because it is generally normal. If the hiccups persist or the pregnant mother becomes very nervous about the sensation or condition, they should be reported to a medical professional and carefully monitored.
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![Hiccuping in the womb can typically be felt toward the end of the second trimester, or later.]()
By: hartphotographyHiccuping in the womb can typically be felt toward the end of the second trimester, or later. -
![An ultrasound may be performed on a pregnant woman if hiccuping in the womb is persistent.]()
By: photographmdAn ultrasound may be performed on a pregnant woman if hiccuping in the womb is persistent. -
![Sucking ensures that a baby will be properly able to nurse after birth.]()
By: Dmitriy MelnikovSucking ensures that a baby will be properly able to nurse after birth. -
![Hiccuping in the womb for more than 10 minutes may be associated with umbilical cord compression.]()
By: Tyler OlsonHiccuping in the womb for more than 10 minutes may be associated with umbilical cord compression. -
![Hiccuping is considered normal to fetal development.]()
By: Valua VitalyHiccuping is considered normal to fetal development. -
![Hiccuping in the womb is generally not considered a painful experience for the expectant mother.]()
By: LangstrupHiccuping in the womb is generally not considered a painful experience for the expectant mother. -
![Some women may experience hiccups throughout their pregnancy.]()
By: yarkovoySome women may experience hiccups throughout their pregnancy.
Discussion Comments
I too was worried initially when I heard about hiccuping in the womb. I thought that the baby breathing in amniotic fluid meant that it's choking. But apparently that's not true. The lungs aren't even entirely developed yet, so there is no possibility of choking. The baby breathes through the umbilical cord until birth. So like the article said, unless hiccuping is persistent and lasts for a very long time, it is absolutely safe and normal.
@ddljohn-- Yea, there are so many new and strange sensations during pregnancy. But that's why it's so exciting and educational.
It's actually a good thing for the baby to hiccup in the womb. It means that the baby has a developed central nervous system and is practicing breathing and making the diaphragm contract. So a baby that is hiccuping is definitely going to be well after birth and will be ready to breathe and feed too.
I'm five months pregnant and felt this sensation caused by hiccups for the first time recently. I was very scared and called my doctor right away. After describing it, my doctor said that it sounds like fetal hiccups and told me that there is nothing to worry about. And then I found this article and felt relieved that my baby is safe and all is well.
Pregnancy is such an interesting experience. I learn something new everyday. Who would have thought that babies can hiccup in the womb?
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