The Wonderful Reason Babies Hiccup So Much

TL;DR

Scientists still don't fully understand why hiccups occur, but research suggests that hiccups in babies may play a role in the development of neural connections and interoception.

Transcript

[♪ INTRO] hic Ah, hiccups. We’ve all been there. Usually, they’re no big deal – unless you’re one of the 4,000 Americans admitted to the hospital every year for hiccups, or you’re that Iowa farmer who hiccuped for 68 years straight. Still, even the occasional bout of hiccups can be annoying. And as you hold your breath or gulp down water to try t... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Hiccups primarily involve the diaphragm and the glottis, causing a spasm and forceful inhalation.
• 🥶 Fetuses start hiccuping at nine weeks and continue to do so until about 24 weeks old.
• 👶 Hiccups in babies may assist in the development of neural circuits and interoception.
• 👂 The brainwave activity during hiccups in babies resembles that of hearing a noise, suggesting a connection between the sound and the sensation of the diaphragm contracting.
• 🧠 Creating nerve connections between the brain and diaphragm may help babies learn to control their breathing.
• 👻 Fetal kicks may help create mental maps in the brain, allowing babies to sense their bodies and learn voluntary movements.
• 🧑 The purpose of hiccups in adults is still unknown, and there is limited research on occasional hiccuping in adults.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why do hiccups occur?

Hiccups happen when the diaphragm spasms and causes a sudden inhalation, followed by the glottis forcefully closing.

Q: Do hiccups serve any purpose in babies?

Research suggests that hiccups in babies may aid in the development of neural circuits and interoception, helping them sense and control their internal organs.

Q: Is there a connection between hiccups and fetal development?

Yes, hiccups in babies may be linked to the creation of mental maps in their brains, allowing them to sense their bodies and eventually make voluntary movements.

Q: Why do adults still experience hiccups?

It is unclear why adults hiccup since our brains don't need to learn how to breathe anymore. It is possible that the reflex remains even after its purpose has been served.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Hiccups occur when the diaphragm spasms, causing a rapid inhalation that slams the glottis shut.

• Babies start hiccuping in the womb and continue to do so frequently until about 24 weeks old.

• Scientists believe that hiccups in babies may help develop neural circuits and interoception, allowing them to sense and control their internal organs.