There are many ways your pregnancy could develop slightly differently from the next pregnant woman. Most of these you don’t need to be concerned about and are just different rather than something concerning or risky. Anterior Placenta is one of these pregnancy conditions.
If you have been told you have an anterior placenta and are worried because you don’t really know what this means for you and your baby, this article is for you. We have compiled a list of the most common questions to help with basic concerns.
This advice is only general in nature, however, and if you are still unclear or worried then you should speak to your doctor.
The placenta is a disc-shaped organ that transfers nutrients and oxygen from your body to your baby, as well as delivering waste products from your baby back into your bloodstream.
When you deliver your baby the placenta should come completely out afterwards. Most women don’t have to think too much more about the placenta and what it does.
Anterior placenta is when the placenta affixes itself in a particular place in your uterus, namely attaching to the front of your stomach.
The placenta can attach itself to any wall of the uterus, but most commonly will be on the top or the side of the uterus.
Another position, known as posterior placenta, is when it attached to the back of your uterus, closer to your spine.
Your doctor will usually check the placental position during the 20-week ultrasound. If you haven’t had this yet, this may be why you don’t know your positioning. You may also not know because your doctor has no cause for concern.
There have been some studies into what causes this particular positioning, but the evidence still seems to be unclear. It isn’t something that you can specifically try to control (nor should you need to.)
Some studies indicate that your blood type may affect placental positioning, as can your sleep position during conception.
The placenta implants in your uterus and doesn’t move as such, but as your uterus grows with your growing baby, the placenta could slightly reposition or migrate.
It may move slightly upward when this happens.
While your baby is growing, the position of the placenta shouldn’t affect his development or his nourishment. There might be a couple of minor differences to an average pregnancy, including:
In general, the anterior placenta isn’t anything to be worried about and won’t affect your health or your baby’s health or development.
It is something to keep an eye on however so that problems or complications don’t arise. If you experience any of the following symptoms make sure that you contact your doctor:
If you experience a fall or some other type of trauma your doctor will also check the health of your placenta to make sure it isn’t compromised.
Even though there is cushioning between your baby and your belly, your contractions shouldn’t feel any different as they happen in the uterus itself.
The main reason why a doctor could be concerned about an anterior placenta is during labour and delivery. If the placenta blocks part or all of the cervix it is in the baby’s way, and then this is called placenta praevia.
This can cause complications and bleeding, and may result in a caesarean section delivery to be safe.
Most commonly a placenta that is blocking the cervix will move out of the way as the big moment approaches.
Another development that commonly occurs with anterior placenta is when the baby is facing towards his mother’s front, instead of facing towards the back. This is called occipital posterior (OP), and can result in labour that is felt more in your back. This can increase your back pain during labour and can also slow labour down.
Also in some cases, OP means that a caesarean section delivery is necessary.
Your doctor should discuss all of these possibilities with you if you have an anterior placenta as your delivery date approaches. You may not be able to follow a birth plan to the letter, but that is always a possibility with any birth.
Even before he is born, your baby is already keeping you guessing and doing things in his own special way. An anterior placenta could be considered another way your baby just decides to be a little bit different and keep you on your toes.
With most pregnancies, it isn’t a reason for concern. Consider it an early way he is asserting his independence, and maybe good practice for later in life when he decides to do things the less common way!
However, if you have hurt yourself or feel any symptoms such as pain or bleeding that concern you, speak to your doctor.
Welcome to Babyinfo – the ultimate pregnancy and newborn information guide. We are here to help you find all the pregnancy and baby info you need to make the most beautiful experience of your life even better.
Our team is comprised of an amazing mix of experienced mothers, recently pregnant women, and editors with tremendous medical knowledge in the fields of gynaecology and childbirth.
Think of us as your friendly advisors, here to give you honest, easy to understand and authentic information. We are here to be your support at this crucial time in your life, when you need it the most.
Note: This website is in no way meant to replace doctors, hospitals, or other healthcare providers that may be utilized by current mothers or mothers-to-be. All mothers are advised to see a doctor for medical advice and the appropriate care before, during, and after pregnancy.
Copyright Relvic Pty Limited All Rights Reserved
