You know in all of my pregnancies the babies had tons of hiccups. Same as what your describing - several times a day for more than just a couple of minutes. My doctors always thought it was fine - in fact I was told it was a good sign that the baby's lung were developing.
For me personally it did seam that the hiccups happened more and more often towards the end of pregnancy as well.
I wouldn't worry about the hiccups. Double check with your doctor if you feel uncomfortable about them, but as far as I know it's normal. And don't worry about not feeling kicks! Your baby is starting to get
really squished at this point and there's just not enough room for those strong kicks you felt in the weeks before. As long as your still feeling regular movement (kicks, or jabs, or rolls... etc) your baby is good to go.
The heartbeat - you know my babies heartbeats were never the exact same from apointment to appointment. I'm not sure what rate is considered worrisome though - I don't think the doctors worry until it's approaching 100 bpm... but I'm not sure on that one. Double check with your doctor, but I think your babies heartbeat are probably just fine.
You know, I have to admit, I think I'm actually
glad I never sprung for a doppler. I think I would have been glued to it worrying about the baby all day! Put it down.
If your baby is moving well he/she is fine. Have a snack and take a nap. Enjoy the last few weeks of your pregnancy!!!
Lots of Luck!! Keep us posted!
Katie
__________________
Professional Family and Child Photographer in the St. Louis area
Mommy to four beautiful little ones ages 6, 4, 2, and 9 months
Check out my blog bellow for updates on my photography and my personal adventures in parenting. ;)
Fetal hiccups?
