Question
Why do newborns often hiccup continuously? My newborn is 16 days old and frequently hiccups, lasting for several minutes at a time. What could be the cause, and how should it be handled?
Answer
Hiccuping in newborns is a very common phenomenon and not a sign of illness. The exact reason why newborns are prone to hiccuping is still unclear, but it is generally believed that it is due to the underdeveloped nervous system in children, leading to spasms of the diaphragm, which results in a higher frequency of hiccups compared to adults. Although hiccups may cause concern for parents, they actually have no negative impact on newborns. There are various treatment methods available, and parents can try them out, but from a medical perspective, newborn hiccuping is a physiological phenomenon that does not require special treatment. Possible reasons for newborn hiccuping include: inhaling cold air or catching a chill, drinking cold milk or experiencing indigestion, or sudden suffocation after crying. These situations can all lead to newborns hiccuping.