Is it in your head or are you actually feeling baby kicks after pregnancy? Known as phantom kicks, these fluttering sensations in the belly can happen after giving birth or experiencing pregnancy loss.
Here, we explain what phantom kicks are, what causes them and what to do if you’re experiencing them.
What are phantom kicks?
Put simply, phantom kicks are when you continue to perceive foetal movement in your belly, i.e. a baby’s movement or kicks, usually in the postpartum phase; however, these false pregnancy symptoms can occur days, months and sometimes even years after pregnancy.
Not much is known about phantom kicks due to the lack of studies on the matter. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that the human mind is powerful and certain nerves and nerve receptors have a “memory”, not unlike the sensation of having 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.
One theory is that as the uterus grows during pregnancy, nerve receptors grow alongside it, leading to the sensation of phantom kicks after delivering the baby. Another is that it may be a part of the natural postpartum recovery process, as the body remodels muscle and connective tissue post pregnancy.
Others believe it may even simply be the body misinterpreting other normal bodily functions, such as digestion or gas moving through the GI tract.
Despite all these theories, no one knows for sure what causes phantom kicks.
Who experiences phantom kicks?
Anyone can experience phantom kicks after pregnancy, but it’s most common in recently postpartum women.
Most people will stop feeling phantom kicks in the first few months after giving birth, but some may experience them for several years. They can even be experienced up to seven years after delivery.
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. However, if they start to become more frequent, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your GP or gynaecologist for an evaluation.
Concerns about phantom kicks tend to revolve around mental health — particularly for people who have experienced pregnancy or child loss. If someone has lost a baby after previously feeling it move, phantom movement can stir up emotions and make the grieving process difficult; this experience is not uncommon, as it comes as a result of emotional trauma. It’s therefore crucial to speak to your doctor and support system about your symptoms and emotions — seeking therapy is an important step in recovering from a pregnancy loss.
The bottom line
Experiencing fluttery sensations known as phantom kicks after birth isn’t uncommon and is typically not a cause for concern. However, if you have experienced a pregnancy loss, talking through it is important, as the phantom kicks could be linked to trauma and unprocessed emotions. A good place to start is your GP or gynaecologist, who can help point you in the right direction.
