The muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities is known as the diaphragm muscle. In some cases, sudden contractions occur on this muscle. As a result of this contraction, hiccups occur. When this happens to babies, mothers may panic a little. Doctors say that hiccups are not a cause for concern. However, if there are other conditions with hiccups, it is very important to consult a doctor without wasting time.
What causes hiccups in babies?
Hiccups are known as sudden and involuntary contractions of the diaphragm muscle. Hiccups are more common in babies. This is why many parents may worry when their baby has hiccups. Experts state that my hiccups in babies are temporary. However, long-lasting hiccups can affect the respiratory system, and as a result, the baby may not be able to breathe easily. In addition, it is recommended to consult a specialist doctor in cases such as vomiting with hiccups. While hiccups are very common in babies, hiccups can also occur while they are still in the mother’s womb. Especially after the sixth month of pregnancy, there may be tiny spasms in the abdomen of the expectant mother. These tiny and minor spasms indicate that the baby hiccups while in the womb. Since hiccups occur involuntarily, parents may be afraid of this situation. The factors that cause hiccups in babies are generally:
- Sudden change in temperature in the baby’s area
- What the mother ate or drank
- Feeding the baby more food than usual
- Swallowing excess air while suckling the mother
- Swallowing excess air while bottle feeding
- Inability to remove gas in babies
- Rapid growth and enlargement of the stomach
- Sudden excitement of the baby
Why do babies get hiccups?
Hiccups in babies are one of the most common conditions. Factors such as the baby’s eating a lot, being full quickly, not being able to fully remove the gas, swallowing air while consuming food can cause hiccups in babies. Hiccups are very common in babies after the lungs begin to develop. According to experts, it is considered normal for hiccups in babies to last up to seven minutes. However, in case of hiccups that last longer, it is recommended to consult a doctor as a precaution.
The factors that cause hiccups can sometimes be simple, or they can be a precursor to an underlying disease. If the baby has difficulty breathing in case of hiccups, it is of great importance to go to a specialist doctor without wasting time. Hiccups are mostly temporary and do not bother babies. However, this hiccup can sometimes occur as a symptom of a disease such as reflux. Reflux disease is suspected when it comes to actions such as coughing and spitting together with hiccups. In this case, it is useful to consult a doctor. Reflux is a very common condition not only in adults but also in infants and children. It is very important for the health of the baby to be recognized and treated in the early period.
How do babies get hiccups?
Hiccups in babies are often considered insignificant. However, when problems such as vomiting with hiccups and inability to breathe are added, it is a situation that should be taken seriously. In this situation, it is extremely important to consult a doctor without wasting time. A few simple methods are used to relieve hiccups, which are considered normal in babies. First of all, parents should keep track of how long the hiccups in their babies last. Hiccups lasting four to seven minutes are considered normal by experts. However, hiccups that last longer can make the baby cranky. Therefore, it is important for parents to observe this situation closely and inform their doctors. Some of the ways to cure hiccups in babies are as follows:
- Changing the baby’s feeding posture if hiccups occur during or after feeding
- burping the baby after feeding
- To prevent the baby from getting excited while feeding
- Keeping the baby in an upright position for a while after feeding
- keeping the baby as still as possible while feeding
- Breastfeeding when the baby has hiccups
- Providing the baby with a spoonful of milk to swallow
- Patting the baby on the back after feeding
- Massaging the baby with gentle movements during hiccups
Does hiccups in babies indicate that they are full?
Hiccups are common in babies. Hiccups in babies are often considered a sign that they are full. Because in babies, lungs and heart begin to develop along with the digestive system. With the development of the digestive system, the stomach also grows. Hiccups in babies after feeding usually mean that the baby is full. This is the same for adults as for children. After children or adults eat, when they are full, the diaphragm muscles may suddenly contract, and as a result, they may experience hiccups.
Hiccups are very common in both babies and adults, especially when overeating. However, the duration of hiccups in babies is an important issue. It is recommended to consult a doctor in case of hiccups that last for a long time. The cause of hiccups may be reflux or another disease.
Do newborn babies have hiccups?
Hiccups are very common in newborn babies. Hiccups are very common after breastfeeding, especially in newborn babies. The main reason for this is that the baby begins to digest the food he eats. When the digestive system is activated, the diaphragm muscles are stimulated and hiccups occur involuntarily as a result of the stimulation. Hiccups in newborn babies can continue until about one year old. It is very important that babies do not get excited while feeding in general. In excited babies, the diaphragm muscles may suddenly contract and hiccups may occur.
After the feeding is finished, the gas must be removed. Babies who are not gassed may also experience irritability along with hiccups. It is not recommended to give any food to newborn babies at the time of hiccups. Because the foods given can cause adverse effects in babies. Therefore, it is of great importance not to make any intervention without the approval of the doctor.