Hiccups in Utero
Pregnant women often mention feeling their baby having hiccups while in the womb and wonder what causes this. These hiccups can start in the first trimester, but won’t be felt by mom until late in the second trimester or during the third trimester. Rarely do the hiccups bother the mother-to-be, however some moms might worry that it is hurting their baby.

The exact cause of your baby’s hiccups is unknown. However, many specialists believe that your baby’s hiccups may be helping to strengthen the diaphragm muscle in order to help the baby breathe both in the womb and once they are born. In many cases your baby will have the hiccups at the same time everyday.

Not only can hiccups be felt by the mom-to-be, but it can also be detected during an ultrasound and picked up on a Doppler while at the doctor’s office for a routine visit. After a woman has been assured that these hiccups are normal and are not bothering their baby, then they become something that can be looked forward to on a daily basis, much like their baby kicking.

Hiccups After Birth
If your baby had hiccups while in utero, it is very plausible that he will have the hiccups after he is born. Some babies that did not have them in utero may still have them after birth. Hiccups can start after birth as early as the day your baby is born. Like the hiccups your baby might have had in utero, these hiccups are generally not painful for your baby.

Hiccups after birth occur when the diaphragm muscle contracts causing your baby to take quick short breaths. Normally these hiccups go away after only a few minutes. If they are really bothering you, try burping your baby more often during feedings. To get them to stop you can try to feed your baby whether you are nursing or bottlefeeding. The constant sucking and swallowing can help that muscle relax and help the hiccups stop.

A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates say that between 15-25% of infants are born with Colic. Although it is not believed to effect a baby’s development it is still a struggle for parents to cope with. Babies with colic most often cry for several hours at a time with diaper changes and feedings having no effect.

Some of the symptoms that your little one may have colic are (but not limited to) as follows:

1. A high pitched cry that does not let up in intensity, sometimes for hours at a time
2. Pulls their legs towards their chest or holds them straight out
3. Face becoming flush and warm while legs feel cooler
4. Held breathes
5. Painful facial expressions

Unlike many other childhood ailments, there is no one specific reason a baby may have colic. There are several factors however that may exasperate colic.

They include:

1. Lack of Burping
2. Food Allergies
3. Swallowing Air
4. Overfeeding or Eating too fast
5. A tense home environment

The good news is that the symptoms usually disappear at about the 4 month mark. In the meantime here are some tips on minimizing those symptoms.

1. After each ounce or few minutes of formula, burp them.
2. Do not feed them while they are lying down
3. Go for a ride in the car or try a gentle rocking while walking.
4. Play white noise for them. There are many options in white noise now including lullabies playing in the forefront. Constant noise like Vacuum Cleaners and Fans are also very helpful in some cases and can be purchased on CD to avoid drafts or other issues. These can be purchased from the author of this article at www.yourfavouriteshop.com
5. A warm bath with a few drops of chamomile essential oil to the water to help them to relax further.
6. Change to a low-allergy formula or switch to a soy based one.
7. If you are breast feeding, avoid tea and coffee

Above all you should always consult your physician to discuss the different symptoms. You should always be aware that the symptoms listed above may also be indications of ear infections, allergies, etc. so it is important to discuss everything candidly with your pediatrician.

About The Author
Jason Rickard is the owner of www.yourfavouriteshop.com – European Reseller of White Noise and Relaxation CDs *Article may be reprinted provided it is not altered and links are live.* sales@yourfavouriteshop.com

Hiccups in Utero
Pregnant women often mention feeling their baby having hiccups while in the womb and wonder what causes this. These hiccups can start in the first trimester, but won’t be felt by mom until late in the second trimester or during the third trimester. Rarely do the hiccups bother the mother-to-be, however some moms might worry that it is hurting their baby.

The exact cause of your baby’s hiccups is unknown. However, many specialists believe that your baby’s hiccups may be helping to strengthen the diaphragm muscle in order to help the baby breathe both in the womb and once they are born. In many cases your baby will have the hiccups at the same time everyday.

Not only can hiccups be felt by the mom-to-be, but it can also be detected during an ultrasound and picked up on a Doppler while at the doctor’s office for a routine visit. After a woman has been assured that these hiccups are normal and are not bothering their baby, then they become something that can be looked forward to on a daily basis, much like their baby kicking.

Hiccups After Birth
If your baby had hiccups while in utero, it is very plausible that he will have the hiccups after he is born. Some babies that did not have them in utero may still have them after birth. Hiccups can start after birth as early as the day your baby is born. Like the hiccups your baby might have had in utero, these hiccups are generally not painful for your baby.

Hiccups after birth occur when the diaphragm muscle contracts causing your baby to take quick short breaths. Normally these hiccups go away after only a few minutes. If they are really bothering you, try burping your baby more often during feedings. To get them to stop you can try to feed your baby whether you are nursing or bottlefeeding. The constant sucking and swallowing can help that muscle relax and help the hiccups stop.