What Does an Anterior Placenta Mean for Your Pregnancy? A Detailed Guide


             An Anterior Placenta means a baby's placenta which is growing on the front side of your tummy. It was completely normal and not harmful for both mother and baby, later you might feel the baby’s kicks. This implantation site of the placenta can differ among women. If the placenta is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus-facing the belly-it is termed anterior placenta. Therefore the baby is lying just behind this soft cushion, and hence the feeling of first kicks or flutters may take a little longer to perceive.


What Does an Anterior Placenta Mean for Your Pregnancy? A Detailed Guide

What is Anterior Placenta?


             The very first thing to be aware of is that anterior placentas are perfectly normal and quite common. It essentially is a description of positioning rather than a description of any problem with the baby or pregnancy.


Your doctor will be using the term to explain where it has attached during the ultrasound scan. In a way, it is similar to knowing your baby's position-front or back-that will help mark your progress through pregnancy.



How Does It Differ from a Posterior Placenta?


             Every placenta finds a home wherein it grows. When it attaches to the back wall of the uterus, it is the posterior placenta. Hence, when anterior is compared to posterior placenta, the only meaning is the direction wherein the placenta lies-that is whether it lies in front or behind the baby.


Here is a simple way to remember:


  • Anterior Placenta: In the front, between your belly and the baby.
  • Posterior Placenta: At the back near your spine.

Neither of these is "better" or "worse". The only little difference you may feel is when you start feeling baby movements. Kicks may be seen a little later with an anterior placenta because they are cushioned by it.


Still, it will be monitored by your obstetricians and gynecologists through regular scans to ensure that your baby is growing well and that the placenta isn't blocking the cervix.


How Is an Anterior Placenta Detected?


             Prior to the mid-pregnancy scan at a period of between 18-20 weeks, where placental identity is confirmed, your doctor will determine your baby's heartbeat and growth, and check the position of the placenta.


If the placenta is quite low towards the cervix, it can be called a low-lying placenta. Also, don't worry, since in most cases of pregnancy, it goes up with the growing uterus. Your doctor is only going to monitor it with later scans so to be sure it is sitting in a safe position.

Does an Anterior Placenta Affect Pregnancy?


             Most women find an anterior placenta does nothing to alter the pregnancy course. It's just something to be aware of. What can come into play for you are the following:


  • Feeling Movements Later: With the position in the front, you may feel your baby kicking from around 20-24 weeks instead of 16-18 weeks.
  • Ultrasound Visibility: Sometimes with an anterior placenta, it can require a lot of maneuvering on the part of the sonographer to obtain a clear view of the baby.
  • Labor and Delivery: Anterior placentas typically do not affect vaginal deliveries unless low-lying in which case your doctor will probably want to keep a little more monitoring.

If your placenta continues to be low-lying in the last months of your pregnancy, your obstetrician and gynecologist will advise you on what you can safely do, when you can travel, and how much rest you should have for the health of both you and your baby.


Anterior Placenta in IVF Pregnancies


             Patients should note that women conceived through IVF have regular scans as part of their routine care. It thus becomes much easier to detect and manage anterior placentas. Doppler will be used by your fertility doctor and best doctor to check blood flow, measure growth, and ensure that the baby is getting everything it needs. Best IVF Center in Chennai, doctors are concerned with not just conception but also healthy pregnancy life in the long run. Anterior, posterior, or slightly low-lying placentas will all be taken care of. The patient's own experienced specialist will be able to tell them exactly what is going on with every scan in a way that is simple.


How to Take Care When You Have an Anterior Placenta


  • The lifestyle changes you would have to make are not that many, but a few tips offered here might help you some to be comfortable and safe:
  • Now that she is into the advanced stage of pregnancy, all her scans would help keep track of the placenta's movement and how her baby develops.
  • Be patient with your baby's movements. The late kicks are actually the stronger kicks, growing stronger as the fetus grows, so enjoy every bit of it!
  • Uncommon signs should be reported. Heavy bleeding and decreased movement should be communicated to your doctor immediately.
  • Always keep everyone in the loop. Good to keep communicating with your fertility doctor and OBGYNs for reassurance and any input on your case.
  • Movement of placenta could be evidenced by the growing uterus. What was anteriorly facing or low-lying is supposed to move itself upwards by the late months.

             Having an anterior placenta simply means your pregnancy is normal — i.e. not adding extra risk as all the other conditions of how your body supports the baby. Everything keeps calm and cool with all regular ultrasound scans, professional care, and a decently laid-back approach. IVF, giving you the most competent assistance from the Best IVF Centre in Chennai, will ensure that you are completely monitored, emotionally guided, and kept behind the safest and most reliable journey possible. Each pregnancy is different, and the position of your placenta is just part of the picture. Your doctor will deal with anterior versus posterior versus temporary low-lying, and you will get to focus on the best part of it all, which is meeting your baby.


Author : Dr. Aravind Chander
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FAQs:

Anterior placenta is placenta sticks to the front wall. It's a usual and often seen spot in pregnancy. It sits between the baby and the mom's belly. Doctors spot it with an ultrasound. It's safe for both the baby and the mom.

The bump size won't shift, no matter its shape or size. How the baby grows sets the bump's size, not the spot of the placenta. Water near the baby and the mom's body can make the bump grow more. A front placenta only changes what movements feel like, not how the belly looks.

Scans need more time to show clear pictures. It does not lead to big problems during pregnancy. It pads a baby's kicks when the baby is still small. Some moms might feel kicks later than others do. At times, it can make it hard to hear the heart beat.

It occurs by chance when the egg sticks on. The egg might stick to the front wall. The form of the uterus or past births can change it. No set way of life or food leads to it. It's a normal and often seen thing.

You might feel the baby moves a bit late. Kicks feel harder on the top or bottom of your stomach. When you lie on your side, it's easier to feel the moves. If you focus in calm times, you can spot kicks better. Often scans check baby is doing well.

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