Is it in your head or are you actually feeling baby kicks after you’re no longer pregnant? Known as phantom kicks, these fluttering sensations in the belly can happen after giving birth or experiencing pregnancy loss.
“Occurring days, months or even years after pregnancy, phantom kicks are the continued perception of fetal movement,” explains Dr. Sarah Jordan, board-certified OB-GYN and medical director at Pediatrix Medical Group in Fort Worth, Texas.
Here, Jordan and other experts explain what phantom kicks are, what causes them and what to do if you’re experiencing them.
What are phantom kicks?
Phantom kicks are the perceived feeling of a baby’s movement, or a baby’s kicks, in your belly when you’re no longer pregnant, explains Dr. Christine Greves, a board-certified OB-GYN in Orlando.
“There are limited studies on phantom kicks, so not a ton is known,” Greves says. “But it’s important to keep in mind, the mind is incredibly powerful, and certain nerve receptors and nerves have memory, similar to [the sensation of] phantom limbs.”
Studies have found that between 80-100% of amputees have experienced phantom limb syndrome, a condition in which people experience sensations in a limb that doesn’t exist.
What are phantom kicks caused by?
There are several theories as to what causes phantom kicks, notes Jordan.
“One theory is that, as the uterus grows during pregnancy, nerve receptors grow as well, leading to the sensation of phantom kicks after delivery,” she explains. “It also may be a part of the normal postpartum recovery process, as the body remodels muscle and connective tissue after delivery.”
“One theory is that, as the uterus grows during pregnancy, nerve receptors grow as well, leading to the sensation of phantom kicks after delivery.”
— Dr. Sarah Jordan, OB-GYN and medical director
“It also could be secondary to the body misinterpreting other normal bodily functions,” notes Jordan, “such as gastrointestinal motility [digestion, essentially] and gas movement.”
All of this being said, both Jordan and Greves note that “no one knows for sure” what causes phantom kicks.
Who experiences phantom kicks?
According to Jordan, anyone can experience phantom kicks after pregnancy, but it’s most common in recently postpartum women.
“Most folks will stop feeling phantom kicks in the months after birth, but some can experience them for several years,” she explains. “On average, they are experienced within the first seven years after delivery.”
“Most folks will stop feeling phantom kicks in the months after birth, but some can experience them for several years.”
— Dr. Sarah Jordan, OB-GYN and medical director
One 2019 study found that, out of 197 women surveyed, 40% said they felt phantom kicks after giving birth the first time and, on average, up to 6.8 years postpartum. One woman in the study reported feeling phantom kicks up to 28 years after giving birth.
When should you worry about phantom kicks?
Physically, phantom kicks generally aren’t anything to be concerned about, says Jordan. “However,” she notes, “if they are becoming more frequent, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your OB-GYN for an evaluation.”
Concerns about phantom kicks more so surround mental health — particularly for people who have experienced pregnancy or child loss.
“If someone has experienced a loss after previously feeling their baby move, feeling movement can stir up feelings and make the grieving process difficult,” says Greves.
“Feeling false pregnancy symptoms, including phantom kicks, isn’t uncommon after loss, due to emotional trauma” adds Jordan. “It is imperative to talk about your symptoms — and your emotions — with your doctor and support system. Therapy is a key component of treatment after a pregnancy loss and always recommended.”
The bottom line
Experiencing fluttery sensations known as phantom kicks after birth isn’t uncommon and typically not cause for concern. However, if you experienced a loss, talking through it is important, as the phantom kicks could be linked to trauma and unprocessed emotions.
“If you don’t know where to start, reach out to your OB-GYN,” says Greves. “Whether it’s counseling or other ways, we can help point you in the correct direction.”