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