Baby Hiccups
The Truth About Baby Hiccups
Different people can have quite different reactions when a baby hiccups. Although the unexpected sound is adorable to some, parents may find it a cause for worry. Discover the truth about the unavoidable condition and ways that it can be treated.
Most mothers report feeling their babies hiccup while in the womb. A soft, but persistent movement may be evidence of your little one’s first case. It is not a cause for worry. The feeling can actually be pleasant and help to connect the parents with their child. Studies indicate that hiccups may begin as early as six weeks from conception, but mothers don’t usually feel the movements until the second trimester.
Why then, when the baby is a few weeks old and contracts a bout of hiccups, do the same parents get anxious?
Hiccups are defined as a contraction of the diaphragm that occurs frequently in a short period of time. They are not generally caused from any serious condition and will often disappear on their own. Plenty of home remedies and legendary cures abound. Some swear by the method of holding your breath for an extended count. Others eat a scoop of peanut butter or molasses and butter. Some prefer to get startled or scared suddenly, causing the hiccups to disappear (or simply be forgotten). Medical journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine have even recorded cures, like a sugar solution that was stated in a 1971 issue of the journal.
When your baby begins to hiccup, your mind may scan the traditional list of cures. None are appropriate for a tiny baby whose entire body seems to convulse with each hiccup. Relax and be assured that the condition is not harmful to them and no treatment in necessarily required. Baby hiccups are likely tied to their organs’ immature stage of development, which is the same reason their diet is restricted.
Some babies contract hiccups after eating, especially if they have eaten quickly. Burping them gently and frequently during the feeding may contribute to less bouts. Once the hiccups have begun though, burping will have little effect. Try to sit your baby up if she has been laid down for feeding. Also, small sips at the breast or bottle (in the upright position) may help to relax the hiccups.
If your baby seems irritated by the hiccups, try to distract the little one. Bright toys, soothing movements and music are all tools for distraction. As the baby gets older, hiccups may annoy him more and could even startle him, causing upset and tears. Again, distraction and movement are the best methods to combat the irritation.
No patterns have been proven for baby hiccups and no group of babies is more susceptible. The suggestion that babies who have gastroesophageal reflux (a condition in which the space between the stomach and the esophagus is not yet fully developed) are more prone to hiccups has not been studied. Babies will often grow out of frequent bouts of hiccups by the time they are one year old.
Remember to comfort your baby when a bout of hiccups occurs. Not only will this help to relax her if she gets irritated, but it will give you a sense of control. Allow time to take its course and the hiccups will disappear, leaving nothing behind but a tender time of snuggling.
Baby hiccups can be more alarming when they last a long period of time. Anywhere from a few minutes to a half of an hour is considered normal. If you do have concerns about the frequency or severity of your baby’s hiccups, see your pediatrician. They will be able to direct you through further investigation and also soothe your worries.