What Is a Placenta?
For a pregnancy to be healthy, placental development is vital. The nutrients, immunity, hormones, and oxygen are supplied to the fetus from the mother through the placenta. It is present only during pregnancy and develops when the fertilized ovum is attached to the wall of the uterus. It attains full development and becomes fully functional within 12 weeks. However, it does not stop its growth and continues its development throughout pregnancy. The placenta is also responsible for maintaining your pregnancy by producing hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, and progesterone.
What Are the Different Placental Locations?
The growth of the placenta can occur anywhere on the uterus. It mostly develops on the site where the fertilized egg is attached to the uterine wall. The following are the general locations of the placenta:
-
Anterior:
At the anterior part of the uterus towards the front of the body and stomach.
-
Lateral:
Either on the left or right side of the uterus.
-
Fundal:
At the top of the uterus.
-
Posterior:
At the posterior aspect of the uterus towards the back of the body and spine.
-
Low-Lying:
At the very bottom of the uterus, at times, covering the cervix.
However, the development of the placenta can also happen between these areas.
Which Is the Common Placental Location?
The fundal and the posterior placental positions are the most common placental locations. It is because these areas have increased access to areas rich in blood vessels. During the early ultrasound scans, around one-fourth to one-half of all pregnant women have an anterior placenta. But it is infrequent towards the end of the gestation period.
How Is the Placental Position Diagnosed?
An ultrasound scan helps in diagnosing the placental position. The placental position is usually diagnosed at the mid-pregnancy ultrasound or anatomy scan taken at the 20th week of gestation.
Having an anterior placenta in the early ultrasounds does not mean it stays there until delivery. The placental position tends to change with the stretching and growth of the uterus. Migration of the placenta can happen towards the side, top, or back as weeks pass by.
How Is an Anterior Placenta Different?
The anterior placenta does not indicate any abnormality and is not a problem of concern. There are a few things that distinguish the anterior placenta from other types. The following are the difficulties faced when the placenta is placed in front of the fetus:
-
Prenatal tests like amniocentesis become a bit more complex.
-
Finding the heartbeat during prenatal tests takes extra time.
-
Feeling the kick of the baby takes a little longer.
When Are Fetal Movements Recognizable in Anterior Placenta?
Fetal movements begin as early as on the 18th week and as late as on the 24th week. People who had previous babies may identify it sooner as they are familiar with the flutters. While people who are first parents and where there is anterior placental position, recognition of fetal movements takes a much longer time. In the anterior placenta, there is late recognition because there is an extra cushioning layer between the outer belly wall of the mother and the fetus, making it difficult to feel the kicking movements of the baby. Only during the third trimester, when the baby becomes big enough to make noticeable movements, the fetal movements are felt.
What Should I Do to Monitor My Baby’s Movements?
Having a count of the fetal movements not only has a sense of excitement but also has a feeling of reassurance. Check the rolls, bumps, kicks, and other activities your baby does. In a period of two hours, your baby should at least be involved in 10 actions. When your baby is sleeping, there is less movement. When there is significantly less movement than it was before, or if there is no movement even after the 24th week of pregnancy, call your healthcare provider.
Is Lower Back Pain Associated With Anterior Fetal Position?
Lower back pain is associated with the anterior placenta; however, irritable back pain is a common happening throughout pregnancy.
What Difficulty Does An Anterior Placenta Cause During Diagnostic Tests?
The anterior placenta poses a challenge while doing diagnostic tests like amniocentesis. This test is done in women who have an increased risk of developing conditions like Down's syndrome. The presence of the anterior placenta makes this test a little more complex. The placenta is avoided by guiding the needle with the help of an ultrasound scanner. The risk of miscarriage is always present with an amniocentesis test; however, this is not increased with the anterior placenta.
How Does the Anterior Placenta Affect the Position of the Fetus in the Womb?
The anterior placenta increases the chances of making the baby be in the back-to-back or occipito-posterior position. It is the best position for the baby to turn to have a normal vaginal delivery. However, the following possibilities may be associated with the anterior placenta:
-
Long labor.
-
A cesarean section.
-
More painful labor.
-
Assisted birth.
What Are the Complications Associated With Anterior Placental Position?
The outcome of pregnancy can be affected by the anterior placental position; however, it is not always a problem of concern.
A study has suggested that the following complications are possible with anterior placental position:
-
Pregnancy-induced hypertension.
-
Placental abruption.
-
Intrauterine growth restriction.
The risk of complications to the mother after birth is also seen in some cases of the anterior placenta.
When Should I See My Doctor if There Is An Anterior Placenta?
It is advisable that all women see a doctor all through their pregnancy. However, reaching out to your doctor is needed when signs indicate a problem with the placenta. Consult your doctor when you experience any of the following symptoms:
-
Constant and rapid contractions.
-
Reduced fetal movement.
-
Intense back pain.
-
Uterine firmness.
These problems have a sudden onset and are often severe.
Conclusion:
Having an anterior placenta does not always mean there is an increased risk for complications. Do not be anxious, enjoy your phase of pregnancy. Do follow the instructions given by your doctor and reach out to them at the earliest opportunity if any problems arise.