Why does a newborn have hiccups every day?
Oct 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
Newborns hiccupping every day may be due to physiological factors. The phrenic nerve in newborns is relatively sensitive, and once stimulated by external factors, it can easily spasm, leading to hiccups. Improper feeding practices—such as feeding too quickly or urgently, excessive feeding volume, overfilling the stomach which stimulates the diaphragm and phrenic nerve, or abdominal chilling causing diaphragmatic spasms—can also trigger hiccups.
Newborns hiccupping every day may be due to physiological factors, improper feeding practices, abdominal chilling, or other reasons.
1. Physiological factors
The organs of newborns are not yet fully developed, the nervous system is generally immature, and the phrenic nerve is usually more sensitive. Once stimulated by external factors, it can easily cause spasms, leading to hiccups.
2. Improper feeding practices
If the intervals between feedings are too long, causing the newborn to become overly hungry, or if they feed too quickly or urgently, or are fed while laughing or crying, they often swallow excessive air. This can easily lead to diaphragmatic spasms and result in hiccups. Additionally, overfeeding or making the newborn too full may stimulate the phrenic nerve and diaphragm, also triggering hiccups.
3. Abdominal chilling
Newborns have a thin layer of subcutaneous fat. If caregivers fail to provide adequate warmth, the newborn's abdomen can become chilled, stimulating the diaphragm and causing spasms that lead to hiccups.
There are various reasons why newborns may hiccup daily. If symptoms persist without improvement, prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is recommended.
