Why Does My Baby Hiccup During Pregnancy?

Dec 13, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am now 39 weeks pregnant and constantly feel my baby “hiccups” inside my abdomen. What could be causing this?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Jiang
It is normal for a fetus to experience hiccups during pregnancy, as the baby develops the ability to swallow amniotic fluid while in the womb. Swallowing amniotic fluid can trigger hiccup-like movements, which typically require no special intervention. In the third trimester, expectant mothers must closely monitor fetal movements. If fetal movements become unusually frequent or cease altogether, this warrants immediate attention—such changes may indicate fetal hypoxia, and prompt medical evaluation at a hospital is essential.