Question
Why do fetuses have hiccups in the womb?
Answer
Hiccups in the womb are a normal reflex for fetuses, much like breathing is for adults. This is because the fetus’s lungs are not fully developed yet and they need to continuously swallow amniotic fluid to learn how to breathe through their lungs, so that they can breathe normally like adults after birth. Therefore, the hiccups of a fetus are actually a process to enhance their lung breathing ability. There’s no need for mothers to worry too much; simply gently stroke the fetus when they hiccup, and the hiccups will stop after a few minutes. Many mothers find this to be a nice experience.