Question
The baby occasionally makes a sound similar to an adult’s hiccup, but the sound is very loud, almost like a rooster’s crow, and it looks very painful. We took the baby to the hospital for an X-ray, and the doctor said that the lungs are fine. I want to know what’s going on? Is the baby going to be okay?
Answer
If the baby’s birth history is normal, and they are generally doing well in terms of spirit, appetite, bowel movements, and deep sleep, with no other apparent discomfort except for the hiccup, there should be no major concern. This could be due to diaphragmatic spasm. When the baby hiccups, you can give them a sip of warm water or have them drink a few mouthfuls of milk, which usually helps alleviate the hiccups. Be careful not to feed the baby too quickly or too eagerly to avoid them inhaling air and causing hiccups. Also, avoid letting the baby’s abdomen get cold.
