Study Says Hiccups Are Vital for Infants and Their Breathing.
An analysis at University College London
says hiccuping activates brain waves in
babies that helps regulate breathing.
The study's senior author says this activity
could help infants learn to control breathing muscles.
"... the establishment of such networks is a crucial developmental milestone for newborns."
- Study Senior Author Lorenzo Fabrizi, via statement.
For the study, 13 pre-term
and full-term babies, aged
30 to 42 weeks, were monitored.
To get results, sensors and
electrodes were put on their bodies.
"The muscle contraction of a hiccup is quite big -- it's good for the developing brain because it suddenly gives a big boost of input... "
- Study lead author Kimberley Whitehead, via CNN.
The researchers add that
hiccuping is present even in the
very early stages of a pregnancy.
The spasm reportedly happens often in the fetus stage and it can start
as early as nine weeks