Is it all in your head or are you really feeling the baby kicks after pregnancy? Known as phantom kicks, these fluttering sensations in the abdomen can occur after giving birth or experiencing pregnancy.
Here, we explain what phantom kicks are, what causes them and what to do if you experience them.
What are phantom kicks?
In other words, phantom kicks are when you keep seeing the movement of the fetus in your belly, that is, the movement or kick of a baby, usually in the postpartum phase; however, these false pregnancy symptoms can occur days, months and sometimes even years after conception.
Not much is known about phantom kicks due to the lack of studies on the subject. However, it is important to remember that the human mind is powerful and some nerves and nerve receptors have “memory”, unlike the sensation of having phantom limbs. Studies have found that between 80-100% of amputees experience phantom limb syndrome, a condition in which people experience sensations in a limb that is absent.
What causes phantom kicks?
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 feeling of phantom kicks after the baby is delivered. Another is that it may be part of the natural postpartum recovery process, as the body remodels muscle and connective tissue after pregnancy.
Others believe it may just 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 what causes phantom kicks.
Who experiences phantom kicks?
Anyone can experience phantom kicks after pregnancy, but they are most common in recent 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 giving birth.
A 2019 study found that, of 197 women surveyed, 40% said they felt phantom kicks after giving birth for the first time and, on average, up to 6.8 years after giving birth. One woman in the study reported feeling like a ghost 28 years After giving birth.
When should you worry about phantom kicks?
Physically, phantom kicks are generally nothing to worry about. However, if they start to become more frequent, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your GP or gynecologist for a check-up.
Concerns about phantom kicks often revolve around mental health — especially for people who have experienced pregnancy or child loss. If a person loses a baby after feeling it move, the ghost’s movement can stir up emotions and make the grieving process difficult; this experience is unusual, as it is the result of emotional trauma. That’s why it’s so important to talk to your doctor and support system about your symptoms and emotions — seeking therapy is an important step in recovering from pregnancy loss.
The bottom line
Experiencing fluttery sensations known as phantom kicks after birth is uncommon and usually not a cause for concern. However, if you have experienced a pregnancy loss, talking through it is important, as phantom kicks can 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.
