Grasping the Occurrence of Fetal Hiccups
Undeniably, for expectant mothers, pregnancy teems with an array of unique feelings, from unusual aches to distinctive twitches in the belly due to the unborn baby’s activities. One such intriguing sensation could be fetal hiccups. As per medical experts, these are normal happenings that exhibit the healthy development of the baby.
Fetal Hiccups: Occurrence and Duration
Kire Stojkovsk, MD, with the Farr Institute, affirms that babies indeed hiccup in the womb, often starting from the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second. Generally, these hiccups are fleeting, lasting for a minute or two, with the possibility of extending longer before eventually subsiding.
Understanding the Reasons behind Fetal Hiccups
Even though fetal hiccups are a common phenomenon during pregnancy, the exact cause remains uncertain. This uncertainty also prevails in the variation observed where some babies hiccup numerous times daily while others do not hiccup at all. Nonetheless, expert consensus points towards fetal hiccups being an omission sign of worry and instead indicative of a thriving pregnancy.
Can Babies Excrete in the Womb?
Perhaps, along with “can babies hiccup in the womb?” you may be intrigued to know if babies can also excrete inside the womb. According to Dr. Greg Marchand, a board-certified OB-GYN, while it is plausible for babies to hiccup, it’s not possible for them to burp as there is no air inside the uterus. On rare occurrences, unborn babies might regurgitate swallowed amniotic fluid, though this is sporadically observed.
Significance of Fetal Hiccups
Fetal hiccups may seem perplexing but they are essentially signs of good oxygenation in the unborn baby. Surprising enough, fetal hiccups aid obstetricians in determining if the fetus is receiving ample oxygen from the placenta via a specific test called a biophysical profile. Consequently, fetal hiccups are correlated with healthy lung development in the baby, overall pointing towards a healthy fetus.
The Sensation of Fetal Hiccups
Sensation of fetal hiccups varies in each pregnancy. Most pregnant individuals describe the sensation as rhythmic, consistent, fluttering, or like a pulsation. The feeling can alter in intensity as the pregnancy progresses but is definitely distinctive and not easily forgettable.
Fetal Hiccups Vs Fetal Kicks: What’s the Difference?
Distinguishing between fetal hiccups and fetal kicks is key to understanding your baby’s movements. Hiccups are typically rhythmic and timed at equal intervals, unlike kicks which are more unpredictable and can take place anywhere in the belly.
Are Fetal Hiccups a Cause for Concern?
Fetal hiccups are ordinarily a normal part of pregnancy and are not generally a cause for worry. Nonetheless, it’s essential for expecting mothers to remain intuition-led. Any unconventional feelings or doubts should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider or an OB-GYN.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are fetal hiccups normal?
Yes, fetal hiccups are a normal part of pregnancy and are generally a cause for celebration rather than worry as they indicate healthy fetal movement.
When do babies start to hiccup in the womb?
Babies can start hiccuping in the womb from the end of the first trimester or the beginning of the second trimester.
Can things other than hiccups feel like hiccups in the womb?
Yes, occasionally, pregnant individuals can mistake some fetal movements for hiccups. This is why understanding the distinction between hiccups and movements such as kicks is important.