What Causes Hiccups in Newborns?
October 4, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Hiccups in newborns are common and typically not a cause for concern. They can occur for various reasons and are often considered a normal part of newborn behavior. Some of the common causes of hiccups in newborns include:
- Immature nervous system: Newborns have immature nervous systems, and their reflexes, including the hiccup reflex, may be more easily triggered than in older children or adults.
- Feeding: Hiccups can sometimes occur during or after feeding, especially if a baby feeds too quickly, swallows air, or experiences some form of reflux (when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus). Feeding practices, such as bottle-feeding with a fast flow nipple, can contribute to this.
- Overfeeding: If a newborn consumes more milk than their stomach can comfortably accommodate, this can lead to hiccups.
- Sudden temperature changes: A sudden change in temperature, such as a cold draft, can occasionally trigger hiccups in a newborn.
- Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): Some babies experience GER, where stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. This can occasionally lead to hiccups, although it’s usually accompanied by other symptoms such as spit-up or fussiness.
- Nervous system development: Hiccups can be related to the development of the baby’s nervous system, which is still maturing in the early weeks and months of life.
- Irritation or stimulation: Certain stimuli or irritants, such as a tight diaper, a full stomach, or excitement, may trigger hiccups in a newborn.
- Swallowing air: Babies may swallow air while feeding, crying, or sucking on a pacifier, which can result in hiccups.
It’s important to note that hiccups in newborns are usually harmless and tend to resolve on their own. They don’t typically cause discomfort or distress to the baby. However, if hiccups persist for an extended period, are accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as difficulty breathing or excessive fussiness), or interfere with feeding, you should consult with a pediatrician or healthcare provider to rule out any underlying issues.
To help alleviate hiccups in newborns, you can try some soothing techniques, such as gently burping the baby, holding them upright for a short time after feeding, or offering a pacifier to encourage sucking and swallowing. In most cases, though, hiccups in newborns are a normal part of their development and will decrease in frequency and intensity as they grow older.