Why does the baby hiccup in the womb? Let's figure it out!

The expectant mother notices the first manifestations of the child’s activity in the second trimester of pregnancy. As a rule, this phenomenon can be observed on the 16-18th week, when there are slight sensations of “butterflies in the stomach”. Over time, they become stronger, more persistent, because the baby grows, turns over, moves limbs. And sometimes the baby hiccups in the womb. It is easy to calculate by the same rhythmic shocks inside, not strong, but frequent. Sometimes such sensations occur several times a day. Why does the baby hiccup in the womb?

why the baby hiccups in the womb
This process is very individual. Some mothers feel hiccups as cramps, others as light taps, and still others as serious shocks from the baby. At the same time, for some, it manifests itself at the 26th week, while others feel the hiccups of their unborn child only after reaching the 35th week of pregnancy. Both that, and another is a variant of the norm, and some do not even feel this process at all and do not even think about why the baby hiccups in the womb. This is due to the fact that, according to the statistics of doctors, most women feel only 10% of all fetal movements during pregnancy.

Scientists do not have a clear and validated theory as to why this process is occurring. Special experiments in this regard have not yet been conducted. However, there are still some suggestions as to why hiccups occur in the womb. In general, this is considered a positive sign - therefore, the fetus has a well-developed central nervous system, which allows it to control the ingestion of amniotic fluid. That is, simply put, the baby hiccups when it is swallowing amniotic fluid. This process does no harm to him, it simply causes mixed feelings in the mother, who senses every push.

baby hiccups in the womb
Other experts put forward their versions about why the baby hiccups in the womb . They believe that in this way he develops a diaphragm, prepares for his first breath at the time of birth. There is also an opinion that hiccups in a baby during pregnancy are nothing more than working out swallowing functions. But in general, both of them are also a sign of a healthy and actively growing organism.

Earlier, less optimistic versions were put forward about hiccups. At one time, doctors tried to connect her with a lack of oxygen in the fetus. However, no studies have confirmed the association of hypoxia and hiccups in a child.

It’s not worth worrying about why the baby hiccups in the womb. This is an indicator of the health of the fetus, and according to some studies, the process of hiccups calms the baby, reduces pressure on its lungs and other organs during the period of active growth.

hiccups in the womb

What to do if the baby hiccups? Sometimes this condition can last quite a long time, up to half an hour. If the hiccups do not stop, many women advise taking a walk in the fresh air to calm the baby. It is also useful to simply try to change the position of the body - lie on your side or kneel and rest your elbows on the floor. Such exercises can help save the baby from hiccups, or at least reduce the strength of the jerks in the stomach, if they cause discomfort to the expectant mother.


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