I think they are definately related to bub's getting practice for breathing!

My DS had heaps of hiccups and was also expected to come early. He ended up not coming unitl 36 weeks but was only 1.6 kg (3lb 10oz). We also had a few shots of the steroids to ripen his lungs just in case, as he needed heart surgery when he was born and we didnt want immature lungs as well.

His lungs were great when he was born, never had a problem with them which was a Godsend.

Good luck!