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Pediatrics: Lillian Beard, M.D.

Our 1-week-old has the hiccups at least three times a day. Is this normal?

By Lillian Beard, M.D.

Newborns have frequent and sometimes prolonged periods of hiccups. These episodes are more disturbing to the adults observing the phenomenon than for the infant. This harmless contraction of the diaphragm (a muscle separating the chest cavity from the abdomen) occurs because something ( swallowed air, a full tummy, positioning, or crying) has stimulated the nerve which supplies impulses to that muscle. If your baby can rest comfortably and does not seem bothered by hiccups, don't panic. Hiccups are normal during infancy. They usually subside and become less frequent over time.

Lillian Beard, M.D.

Pediatrics

Lillian M. Beard, M.D, a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, is an associate clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, D.C. She is a frequent guest expert and spokesperson on national television programs, discussing issues related to children's health. Dr. Beard practices pediatrics in Washington, D.C.

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The content on these pages is provided as general information only and should not be substituted for the advice of your physician.