UNDERSTANDING HICCUPS IN NEW BORNS AND HOW TO STOP IT

UNDERSTANDING HICCUPS IN NEW BORNS AND HOW TO STOP IT.

A  lot of mothers may be concerned that hiccups are causing their newborn discomfort. We will be exploring the factors that trigger hiccups in newborns, the best ways to stop and prevent them, and when to see a doctor.

CAUSES OF HICCUPS IN BABIES 

Feeding or stomach issues may not always cause hiccups. The diaphragm may spasm for unknown reasons. However, it is thought that the hiccups happen when the stomach fills with air during feeding pushing on the diaphragm, causing spasms.  When this happens , baby’s diaphragm contracts. This forces air out through closed vocal chords, creating the hiccupping sound.

This can also happen when babies;

Overfeeds 

Eats too quickly

Swallows too much air

These factors can cause the baby’s stomach to expand. As it expands, it pushes against the diaphragm, triggering the spasms that lead to hiccups.

Hiccups are not normally a cause for concern in babies under 12 months old.

It is important to remember that most babies get hiccups in their first year, and they are not usually a cause for concern.Hiccups do not normally harm a baby. While adults may find hiccups uncomfortable, they tend to cause less distress in babies.

PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF HICCUPS 

There are several ways to stop or prevent hiccups in newborns. Taking breaks from feeding to burp and using pacifiers can help. 

Hiccups are often not completely preventable, but following the strategies below may help:

Feeding the baby before they become very hungry, to keep them calm and avoid rushing of food which creates room for air to gather up in the stomach.

Feeding the baby frequently in small amounts.

Sitting the baby upright for half an hour after each feeding.

Repositioning the bottle so that no air is near the teat.

Ensuring that the baby’s mouth is latched over the whole nipple.

Burping baby well to expel air accumulated in the stomach while feeding .

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR 

Speak with a doctor if hiccups are frequent or they seem to distress your baby or other symptoms are present because this can indicate an underlying health condition like gastric oesophageal reflux (GER), indigestion or milk intolerance.

GER occurs when partially digested food and stomach acid come back up through the food pipe. As these fluids pass the diaphragm, they may irritate it and trigger spasms.

GER may cause frequent, uncomfortable hiccups. 

A baby may have GER if they also:

Cry more often than usual, particularly around feedings.

Arch their back excessively during or after feedings.

Vomits frequently after feeding 

Spit up more often than usual.

Anyone who suspects that a baby may have GER should speak with a doctor. The condition is easy to treat.

It is also a good idea to contact a doctor if hiccups frequently occur after a baby turns one year old.