Hiccups in utero
Posted by Camille Mülchi on Wed, January 23rd 2008 in Pregnancy
Why do babies get the hiccups in utero?
Answer
There is not an abundance of research in the area, but it is thought that these are a response to fetal drinking or fetal breathing, which causes the flow of amniotic fluid in and out of the lungs. This stimulates the diaphragm to contract thereby causing hiccups in the fetus – in much the same way we have them once we’re born. Only the more mature fetuses do this, because of the development of the central nervous system and it is considered a good sign that things are functioning normally. And if your baby does not hiccup, please don’t worry!
Camille Mülchi RYT, CCE of MotherWise Yoga
