How to Identify If It’s Hiccups or Baby Kicks
Fetal Hiccups in the tummy is common especially during 2nd and third trimester. But how can we differentiate baby’s hiccups from baby’s kicks? Kicks are often strong, abrupt jerking that happens especially when baby is moving around. Sometimes hiccups can be mistaken as kicks, but if you thoroughly observe, you can tell the difference. Hiccups are rythmic thumps coming from a certain part of your belly. They are not forceful. Baby’s hiccups could last for a few minutes.
Reasons for Fetal Hiccups in the Womb
•Contracting Diaphragm
This is the most common reason for hiccups whether in fetus, babies, even adults. This is because of the abrupt spasm of diaphragm or the ring muscle in between the lungs and abdomen. However, the fetal hiccups are often caused by spasm of diaphram when baby breathes amniotic fluids inside the mother’s amniotic sac.
•Compressed Umbilical Cord
Sometimes, hiccups inside the uterus can be caused by compressed umbilical cord, or worst, when the umbilical cord wraps the baby’s neck. It might trigger hiccups when baby has a very little or no supply of oxygen. That is the reason why it is important to observe your baby’s kicking and hiccuping too. When you notice changes to patterns, you can bring that up to your doctor’s attention too.
When to Get Worried
Hiccups and kicking are very normal to fetus in the womb. It could even happen on a daily bases and could last for a few minutes. Some don’t enjoy those but believe me, as a mommy, it is a great way too so you can monitor your baby’s milestones inside the belly. However, if you have noticed that hiccups and kicking no longer happen more than the usual, if the daily movement of the baby has slowed down or decreased, you can tell your doctor about it so it can get checked and you can make sure that everything is fine.
As said, hiccups is one of the way to know that your baby is growing and developing well inside you. Some mothers feel uncomfortable with it but for me, you should really enjoy those little bonds that can connect you together. During kicks or hiccups, gently put your palm and gently rubbing the part where he kicked or feel the hiccups in the belly. Once the baby is out already, you will surely miss those little feet kicking in there and the little body that moves inside your womb. Hiccups is normal and it is a wonderful way to connect with the growing baby inside you. Feel it, enjoy every moment of it.
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