Newborn Hiccups Are Common Due to These Three Major Reasons

Despite their small size, newborns can hiccup quite often. In fact, it's not uncommon for a newborn to hiccup several times a day. While hiccups can be annoying for both the baby and the parents, they are usually harmless and will go away on their own within a few weeks.

There are several reasons why newborns hiccup.

1. The diaphragm is still immature.

The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity. When the diaphragm contracts, it causes the lungs to fill with air. When the diaphragm relaxes, the lungs expel air. In newborns, the diaphragm is still immature and can contract involuntarily, which can cause hiccups.

2. The stomach is small and immature.

The stomach of a newborn is small and immature, which can make it difficult for the baby to digest food properly. When the stomach is full, it can push against the diaphragm, which can cause hiccups.

3. The nervous system is still developing.

The nervous system of a newborn is still developing, which can make it difficult for the baby to control the muscles that control the diaphragm. This can lead to involuntary contractions of the diaphragm, which can cause hiccups.

What can you do about newborn hiccups?

There is no cure for newborn hiccups, but there are a few things you can do to help relieve the discomfort.

Burp the baby. Burping the baby can help to release any gas that may be causing the hiccups. To burp the baby, hold the baby upright on your shoulder and gently pat or rub the baby's back.

Massage the baby's tummy. Gently massaging the baby's tummy can help to relieve gas and discomfort.

Swaddle the baby. Swaddling the baby can help to create a sense of security and comfort, which can help to stop the hiccups.

Offer the baby a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier can help to relax the baby and stop the hiccups.

Avoid giving the baby too much to eat. Overfeeding the baby can put pressure on the stomach and cause hiccups.

If the hiccups persist, consult your doctor. In rare cases, hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a diaphragmatic hernia. If the hiccups persist for more than a few weeks or if they are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, consult your doctor.

When to worry about newborn hiccups

In most cases, newborn hiccups are harmless and will go away on their own within a few weeks. However, there are a few cases when hiccups can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Hiccups that are persistent. Hiccups that last for more than a few weeks may be a sign of an underlying medical condition, such as a diaphragmatic hernia.

Hiccups that are accompanied by other symptoms. Hiccups that are accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or difficulty breathing, may be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

Hiccups that are severe. Severe hiccups can be painful and can interfere with the baby's ability to eat and sleep.

If you are concerned about your baby's hiccups, consult your doctor.

The above is all the content that the editor wants to share with you. I sincerely hope that these contents can bring some help to your life and health, and I also wish that your life will be happier and happier.