An anterior placenta is where the placenta attaches itself to the front wall of the uterus. This is a perfectly normal place for the placenta to be and really commonplace but there are a few things that you should know if you have an anterior placenta. I had an anterior placenta with my last pregnancy, in comparison with my other 2 pregnancies the movements definitely felt more subdued. As I progressed towards the last trimester I definitely felt a lot more of the movements around the edges of the placenta!
Anterior Placenta/Placenta FYI’s:
- Your second ultrasound (usually around 20 weeks) is where you will find out where your placenta is sited.
- You usually start to become aware of your baby’s movements between 18 and 24 weeks.
- If you have an anterior placenta, it is likely that you will be less aware of your baby’s movements as the placenta will act like a cushion and soften the movements.
- An anterior placenta could make it trickier for your midwife to hear the baby’s heartbeat as it could be in the way.
- It may be harder to determine the baby’s position if the placenta is at the front.
- An anterior placenta makes it more likely that your baby may adopt the back to back position where their back is pressed up against your spine. This could cause lower backache.
If you do end up with the baby in the back to back position, please don’t worry too much, there is plenty that you can do to encourage them to rotate round into the optimal position.
Pregnancy yoga in particular is brilliant at creating the most amount of space possible for your baby to turn. To see the pregnancy yoga classes I offer, please check here.
Most importantly: get to know what is normal movement for your baby and be aware of those movements throughout the day. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s movement contact your midwife immediately. It is always better for you and your baby to be checked over.
For more pregnancy tips, please check out my Instagram account: Pregnancy Yoga & Hypnobirthing (@sallyjustexhale) • Instagram photos and videos
