Did a doctor tell you it was anterior placenta, and you wondered what that meant? If you are pregnant and experienced this at your ultrasound, don’t worry – it’s more common than you think! Anterior placenta is a descriptive term indicating the position of the placenta. It means the placenta is attached to the front side of the uterus, positioned just behind your abdominal wall. This is one of several normal placental positions during pregnancy, and although it may affect how you experience certain things, it is rarely a cause for concern.
What Does Anterior Placenta Mean?
The placenta is a structure that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and supply oxygen to the baby. It means the placenta is attached to the front side of the uterus, positioned just behind your abdominal wall. While having an anterior placenta does not hamper placental function, it may however affect when and how you feel your baby move.
When Is It Usually Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose the position of the placenta during a mid-pregnancy ultrasound, typically between 18 and 22 weeks into the pregnancy. This is one of the options available: anterior, posterior, low-lying, or fundal (top), Anterior placenta is common and not often thought of as a high risk of complications.
How Does It Affect Baby Movement?
One of the main differences you may notice with having an anterior placenta is that your baby’s movements may be a little delayed or muted. Since the placenta is acting as a cushion between your baby and your belly, you might not feel kicks or flutters as early or as strongly – especially in the second trimester. But as your baby grows, those movements will become more easily detected.
Does It Change Labour or Delivery Plans?
In most cases, an anterior placenta does not intervene with labour or delivery. However, if you are having surgery (C-section), your doctor will consider the position for the incision. It only becomes a consideration if it is also low-lying or covering the cervix (placenta previa), in which case a closer eye may need to be kept on it.
Ultrasound and Monitoring Considerations
Because the placenta is between your baby and the abdominal wall, it can often make ultrasounds a little more difficult, especially during the early stages. Your doctor or sonographer may need to try different angles or take a little longer to obtain clear images, but this poses no risk to you or your baby.
Are There Any Benefits?
Yes, there are many benefits of the anterior placenta, especially related to comfort. Several women have reported less discomfort from strong fetal kicks to the front of the belly, especially in the third trimester. The placenta provides a “cushion” that helps absorb the shock when babies are active.
Conclusion
An anterior placenta is a normal variant of pregnancy. It usually does not require any special management. An anterior placenta may slightly alter how soon or how strongly you feel your baby move, but overall, an anterior placenta functions as well as any other position. You will receive routine care and an ultrasound, allowing your healthcare provider to assess and monitor your pregnancy care, ensuring a healthy and safe pregnancy for you and your baby.
