Elara guides

Why your baby hiccups in the womb

Those tiny rhythmic taps are a good sign.

Somewhere in the second half of pregnancy you might feel a series of tiny, rhythmic taps — evenly spaced, a little different from a kick. There's a good chance your baby has hiccups. It's a sweet, slightly strange sensation, and it's completely normal.

What's happening

Fetal hiccups are thought to come from the baby's developing diaphragm twitching as they practise the movements of breathing — drawing amniotic fluid in and out. It's part of how their lungs and nervous system rehearse for life outside, and it's generally seen as a sign of healthy development.

How they feel

• Regular, repetitive taps in the same spot — unlike the varied jabs of kicking.
• Often last a few minutes, sometimes several times a day.
• Usually low down if the baby is head-down later on.
• Harmless, even if they occasionally interrupt your sleep.

When to take note

Hiccups themselves aren't a worry. What matters is overall movement: a change or reduction in your baby's usual kicks and rolls is what to act on, not the hiccups. Some research suggests a sudden, big increase in daily hiccup episodes very late on is worth mentioning — but it's the movement pattern that's the real signal.

Always report any reduction or change in your baby's normal movements to your maternity unit right away — that's the sign that matters, and they'd always rather check.