Duration of hiccups
It is impossible to predict the exact duration of a hiccup in a baby. Most often, hiccups in babies last from a few minutes to half an hour. Even a longer lasting hiccup should not cause concern. If the hiccups last all day, or if they seem to bother the baby, attempts can be made to break through the hiccups. If the hiccups cause the baby to have difficulty breathing and possibly turn blue, this is an emergency and the baby should be presented to a pediatrician immediately!
Hiccups in the womb
Already from the ninth week of pregnancy hiccups can occur in the unborn child, but the mother notices the child’s hiccups from the 28th week of pregnancy at the earliest. The mother may perceive the hiccups as small, rhythmic movements caused by the movement of the unborn child’s abdominal wall during hiccups. Hiccups in the unborn baby are normal and in no way dangerous.
The hiccups occur because the baby begins early to train the respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm, by breathing in and out amniotic fluid. On the one hand, the baby’s not yet developed respiratory system can be disrupted, causing hiccups, or excess gases can be actively expelled from the body through the “hiccups”. All in all, hiccups can be regarded as training for the respiratory muscles.
Preventing hiccups in babies
Hiccups in babies cannot be 100% prevented and should not be tried at all. Hiccups occur as a normal (physiological) sign of a still growing respiratory system or as a protective reflex when drinking. The older the child becomes, the less frequently hiccups occur.
In general, one can make sure that the baby is relaxed and feels well, as far as one can ensure this permanently. You can also try to prevent strong and sudden temperature changes. In particular, one should take care not to frighten the baby.
Danger of hiccups in babies
Hiccups in infants or babies are perfectly normal and occur frequently. Hiccups are a normal (physiological) sign of a still growing respiratory system, or a protective reflex when drinking. Parents should not worry if their child has hiccups.
If one and the same hiccup lasts for more than one day, a pediatrician should be consulted. If the baby has obvious breathing problems due to the hiccups and turns blue, it is an emergency! The child must see a doctor immediately! However, both occur extremely rarely.
