What should I do if a newborn always has hiccups?

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xie Zixing

Introduction

After feeding, to help a newborn stop hiccups, hold the baby upright, support the baby's back, and gently rock the baby to stimulate intestinal movement and promote gas release, which can also stop the hiccups. Alternatively, acupressure on points such as Hegu (LI4) and Neiguan (PC6) may be used, or gentle abdominal massage performed by moving clockwise over the baby's abdomen slowly and rhythmically to enhance gastrointestinal motility.

It is common for newborns to experience hiccups, and mothers need not worry. This occurs because a baby's stomach is in a horizontal position, making it easy to develop hiccups after feeding. Usually, this phenomenon gradually disappears as the baby grows older. What should you do if a newborn keeps having hiccups?

What to do when a newborn keeps hiccupping

After feeding, if your baby has hiccups, hold them upright and support their back gently. Rock them slightly to stimulate intestinal movement, help expel gas, and stop the hiccups. You may also try acupressure on points such as Hegu (LI4) and Neiguan (PC6), or gently massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction. The motion should not be too fast—massage rhythmically to promote gastrointestinal motility until the hiccups subside. Alternatively, giving the baby a small amount of warm water can also help relieve hiccups.

If the baby is otherwise healthy with no other illnesses but suddenly develops loud and persistent hiccups, it might be caused by a cold. If the baby’s clothing or blankets are not adjusted promptly and they are exposed to cold air or wind, the diaphragm may spasm, triggering hiccups. Overfeeding, feeding too frequently, or giving the baby other drinks can also weaken the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, potentially leading to hiccups.

In most cases, infant hiccups are benign and self-limiting. After trying simple remedies to stop the hiccups, parents need not be overly concerned. It is important to provide proper daily care for the baby and prevent them from getting chilled. We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness.

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