What To Know About Fetal Hiccups

Fetal hiccupping is a normal phenomenon that's been felt by many pregnant women. Your baby may start hiccupping intermittently beginning in the late first or early second trimester. A contracting diaphragm can trigger hiccups in mature fetuses. A hiccup results when the amniotic fluid enters and comes out of the fetus's lungs. Occasionally fetal hiccups can occur when the fetus is not getting enough air. If you notice a sudden increase in the frequency, intensity or length of the fetal hiccups than you should schedule an ultrasound to check for an umbilical cord compression( umbilical cord wraps around the fetus's neck).

Fetal hiccups can show up as early as the first trimester, but they usually show up around the second or third trimester.when a fetus hiccups the mother feels little spasms in her belly that are different from other pregnancy movements. Almost all women will feel their fetus hiccuping at least once during the pregnancy, if not more. Some babies will hiccup on a daily basis and others even more frequently. The central nervous system gives the fetus the ability to breathe in amniotic fluid. A hiccup results when the fluid enters and exits the fetus's lungs, causing the diaphragm to contract rapidly. Fetal hiccups are quite common and can often be seen on an ultrasound as jumping or rhythmic movements. Fetal hiccups are reflexive and do not appear to cause discomfort. In addition, hiccups prepare the fetus's lungs for healthy respiratory function after birth and they help regulate the baby's heart rate during the third trimester.