Babies can get hiccups in the womb, and you may feel them as small, rhythmic jerks. They feel different from kicks, and they don't count as movements.
What hiccups feel like
The NHS says your baby may sometimes get hiccups, and you can feel the jerk of each one. Many people describe hiccups as a series of small, jerky, rhythmic movements, which can feel different from your baby kicking or moving around (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
Tommy's describes them as little rhythmic flutters, usually felt later in pregnancy.
When you might feel them
Tommy's says that around 25 weeks your baby is busy practising breathing movements, and you might sometimes be able to feel little hiccups. The NHS week-by-week guide mentions them at the same stage.
Why babies hiccup
It's not fully understood why babies hiccup. It might be related to the development of their lungs and diaphragm (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby).
Hiccups don't count as movements
Baby hiccups don't count as baby movements (Tommy's, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS). Count the Kicks explains why: hiccups are involuntary. When you're counting, leave them out and count kicks, jabs, rolls and swishes instead. What counts as a kick covers the rest.
Hiccups don't replace movements
Because hiccups aren't movements, feeling them doesn't tell you anything about how much your baby is moving. Your baby's kicks, rolls and swishes are what make up their usual pattern.
If your baby's usual pattern of movements changes, contact your midwife, doctor or maternity unit (Pregnancy, Birth and Baby). If they're moving less than usual, do it now. Do not wait until tomorrow. What to do.