Why do I keep getting hiccups during early pregnancy?
Disease description:
My wife recently became pregnant and has been experiencing frequent hiccups. I'd like to know what might be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Frequent hiccups during early pregnancy are a common phenomenon experienced by many pregnant women, and this condition is usually the result of multiple contributing factors. Below are some possible causes:
1. During early pregnancy, the gradually enlarging uterus may compress the organs within the abdominal cavity, especially the gastrointestinal tract, leading to slower gastrointestinal motility and making hiccups and constipation more likely to occur.
2. A pregnant woman's eating habits may also influence the frequency of hiccups. If she eats too quickly or consumes excessive spicy or irritating foods, the diaphragm may become irritated, causing spasms and resulting in hiccups.
3. After conception, the levels of pregnancy hormones in the body rise, especially progesterone, which causes relaxation of the smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, slows digestion, and leads to gas accumulation in the stomach, potentially triggering hiccups. For example, increased progesterone levels may slow gastrointestinal motility and increase gastric acid secretion, causing indigestion and hiccups.
This phenomenon is generally a normal physiological response and does not require special treatment. However, if it is accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms such as severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting, prompt medical attention is recommended. It is also advised to maintain healthy lifestyle habits and attend regular prenatal checkups.
