It’s known that sneezing is a reflex to prevent dust or nose hairs or whatever from getting down into the lungs, but why do people and animals sometimes get hiccups? What function does that serve, and what causes them?

Also, bonus points for any random useful tips on how to make hiccups go away…

  • bestnerd@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    Just saw our baby on the ultrasound do them. Doc said it was getting their lungs ready as well. Now when he does them my wife’s belly moves like jello.

        • over_clox@lemmy.worldOP
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          1 year ago

          LOL, it’s not important either way, was just curious like around what point of development can a fetus start having the hiccup reflex…

      • ChexMax@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        My baby’s hiccups were visable from the outside at week 32 and before that you could feel them from the outside for a week or two. Very neat! (Not as neat while I’m trying to sleep lol)