Hiccups in premature babies

Hiccups are brief, involuntary contractions of the breathing muscle followed by closure of the airway opening. Premature babies have developing coordination between sucking, swallowing and breathing, so hiccups may occur around feeds or when the stomach is full.

Hiccups alone usually do not show that a baby is unwell. Frequent hiccups can sometimes occur alongside milk coming back up, discomfort or feeding difficulty. Reflux is one possible explanation, but only a clinician can decide whether symptoms need assessment.

Pause the feed if your baby is hiccupping, keep them supported upright as advised by the neonatal team, and allow them to settle before offering more milk. Follow the prescribed feeding volume and pace. Never give water, sugar, herbal remedies or unapproved medicines to a premature baby, and do not frighten or hold the breath to stop hiccups.

Seek prompt advice if hiccups repeatedly interrupt feeds, your baby coughs or chokes, vomits forcefully, has fewer wet nappies, is unusually sleepy, or is not gaining as expected. Get emergency help for blue or grey lips, pauses in breathing, marked breathing effort or a baby who cannot be roused.

Ask whether the feeding position or pace should change, how to recognise reflux, which signs suggest aspiration, and whether your baby’s current feeding plan needs review.