Useful Tips to Fight Hiccups During Pregnancy

Why do I Keep on Hiccuping Now That I am Pregnant?

So you are not able to put that glass of water down and are constantly trying to stop those hiccups that have actually become somewhat bothersome now. Fetal hiccups generally begin to show during the second or third trimester, though they can start as early as in the first trimester.

They feel like spasms in the belly and are different from other movements of the baby in utero. Hiccups during pregnancy become just unbearable when they occur while you are sleeping, eating, or talking to someone. They affect not only your health but also your social life – stealing away mental peace sometimes.

Many women consider them to be a symptom of a healthy pregnancy, but it is not necessarily a sign that everything is perfect down there. Nor is it worrisome to set you off panicking, and this article will ease your anxiety about hiccups during pregnancy.

What Causes Hiccups During Pregnancy?

There could be a number of possible reasons that cause hiccups during early pregnancy. However, the main causes are indigestion and shortness of breath. During pregnancy, your lungs tend to inhale more air than normal. You won’t believe it but the rate of air in and air out increases manifolds, say around 30 to 40 percent. This brings in a lot of oxygen to the body, helping it function efficiently, and also lead to hiccups.

Sometimes, women start watching themselves too closely, and even though they already have hiccups, they will notice them even more now. Because women become hyper concerned about any changes happening to them when pregnant, and they tend to think that hiccups are a new thing. This happens because of the hormonal and motility changes your body undergoes during pregnancy.

Wondering if hiccups are normal during pregnancy? They in fact are, to such an extent that some women also say that when they get pregnant, frequent hiccups are one of the earliest signs that tell them so. However, not many experts agree that hiccups are a sign of pregnancy. They agree that shortness of breath can be a symptom of pregnancy, and hiccups may be related to swallowing more air than required. So, you are likely to have bouts of hiccups in early pregnancy or late second trimester.

Fetal Hiccups During Pregnancy

If you thought that it is just you who is dealing with bouts of hiccups, you are wrong. Babies too go through pretty much the same phase inside the womb, but unlike the mother who is likely to experience severe hiccupping in the first trimester, babies hiccup more during the last trimester. The baby is continuously drinking the amniotic fluid, and there are pretty good chances that the fluid enters their lungs, causing hiccups. No, you need not worry, as this is perfectly normal and your baby will not be choked as their supply of oxygen is met by the placenta.

So, are baby hiccups during pregnancy normal? Yes, in fact, these repetitive jerks down there indicate that all is well and the baby is growing normally. Sometimes, reflex development can also make a mature fetus hiccup in the womb.

[Read : Everything About Baby Kicks And Fetal Movements]

How to Know When Baby Hiccups During Pregnancy?

Have you noticed a small jerk from the inside? This will be very different from the kicks and punches from your fetus. Hiccups during pregnancy will cause mild and repetitive jerks. They will be uniform and rhythmic.

How to Stop Baby Hiccups During Pregnancy?

Unfortunately, you can’t just gulp a glass of water and stop your fetus’ hiccups. However, you can try sipping on a glass of water and moving around slowly to ease your baby’s position.

If you want a guaranteed solution for “how to stop baby hiccups in the womb?” you may not find many options as the reason behind such hiccups during pregnancy is not very clear. Over a period of time, you will understand what starts off these hiccups during pregnancy and you can try to avoid or reduce those activities.

Are Hiccups During Pregnancy a Note of Caution?

Well, this is a very common problem, and the frequency tends to increase as your pregnancy advances. As far as its fatality is concerned, hiccups don’t pose any danger to your and the baby’s health. However, it is always a wise decision to seek medical advice if there is anything that is bothering you or making you uncomfortable. Only a doctor can guide you properly through the entire journey of your pregnancy. Although hiccups are not dangerous, it’s always wise to take precautions. After all, giving birth to a new life is really a big deal and a moment to be cherished for a lifetime.

[Read : Fetal Hiccups: What Do They Mean And When To See A Doctor?]

How Can I Deal With Hiccups During Pregnancy?

Here are some of the most useful tips for pregnant women to deal with hiccups. Hopefully, you will get relief:

1. Drink Water

One of the most effective and workable ways to stop the series of hiccups is to drink water. Make sure you drink the entire glass of water in one go and within one breath. You can also gargle with chilled water, and it has been found to be effective.

2. Dissolving Sugar Under the Tongue

Another helpful, as well as a handy remedy for dealing with episodes of hiccups, is to keep one tablespoon of sugar under your tongue and wait till it dissolves and enters your body.

3. Try Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises have also proven beneficial for getting rid of a series of hiccups. So, you can also try them. One of the easiest among them is inhaling the air, holding it for a while, and exhaling it slowly. You can also try breathing inside a paper bag.

4. Suck or Nibble on a Slice of Lime or Ginger

Nibbling a wedge of lime or a slice of ginger (fresh) can also help you fight this irritating condition. You can make a mixture of lime juice, ginger, and honey and drink it as fast as possible, but don’t choke yourself. This might help you.

[Read : Health Benefits of Lemon/Limes During Pregnancy]

5. Pull Out Your Tongue

Though it may sound silly, but sticking out your tongue as far as you can help ease the diaphragm and relieve you from hiccups.

Top 5 Tips to Avoid Hiccups For Pregnant Women

1. Eat a smaller amount of meals frequently instead of eating three heavy meals with long gaps.
2.  Avoid spicy food and fried food items and beverages like caffeine and carbonated drinks.
3. After completion of meals, walk for some time to avoid acid reflux.
4. Do not eat food very quickly.
5. Don’t consume something very cold soon after having something very hot.

Hiccups are a minor discomfort that comes along with pregnancy. They do not indicate any serious problem for either the mother or the baby and only reflect the body’s mechanism to some physical changes. With some natural remedies, these discomforts can be solved.

So, these are the ways that can help you make your hiccups go away. Hiccups are certainly annoying, but they do not indicate anything is wrong with you or with your baby, and they will go away on their own. However, if things don’t change even after trying one or all of the above-mentioned tips, then it’s better to get in touch with a doctor.

FAQ’s

1. Can Hiccups in Pregnancy Denote an Issue With the Umbilical Cord?

Hiccups in pregnancy are very common. However, if you notice very frequent hiccups, you need to get it checked. It could indicate your umbilical cord is prolapsed or compressed due to the position of the baby.

2. Can My Hiccups During Pregnancy Affect My Baby?

No it cannot. Hiccups during pregnancy are perfectly normal. It will not have any impact on the fetus.

3. How do I Know if Baby is Hiccupping in the Womb?

It can be quite tricky at first. The small pulsating movements may not be noticeable. You may also confuse it with the kicks. You will understand better as the pregnancy progresses.

4. Do Constant Hiccups in Pregnancy Indicate My Baby is in Distress?

No it does not. On the other hand it is perfectly normal and safe. it infact indicates, the developing well.

Read Also: Indigestion During Pregnancy