The placenta is an organ that develops during pregnancy, serving as a bridge between a pregnant individual and the developing fetus. It delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby, while also removing waste products through the umbilical cord. This organ can attach to various locations within the uterus. This article explains what an anterior placenta is and how its presence is determined during pregnancy.
Understanding Anterior Placenta
An anterior placenta is positioned on the front wall of the uterus, between the baby and the mother’s abdomen. This location is a normal and common variation of placental attachment and does not indicate a complication in most cases. The placenta forms wherever the fertilized egg implants into the uterine wall. This positioning occurs in up to 50% of all pregnancies. While the placenta can attach to the back wall (posterior), top (fundal), or sides (lateral) of the uterus, an anterior position is one of these natural possibilities.
Diagnosis Through Medical Imaging
An anterior placenta is identified during a routine prenatal ultrasound examination. This often occurs during the anatomy scan, performed between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation. During this scan, the sonographer or radiologist examines the baby’s development and concurrently determines the placenta’s location within the uterus. A pregnant individual cannot self-diagnose an anterior placenta based on symptoms alone. While other imaging techniques, such as MRI, could reveal the placenta’s position, they are not routinely used for this purpose.
Experiencing Fetal Movement
An anterior placenta can affect how fetal movements are perceived. The placenta, located at the front of the uterus, acts as a cushion between the baby and the abdominal wall. This cushioning can make it more challenging to feel the baby’s movements, especially early flutters or kicks. While many people feel movements between 18 and 20 weeks, those with an anterior placenta might not notice them until 20 to 24 weeks. It is important to monitor fetal movement patterns as advised by healthcare providers, reporting any significant decrease in the baby’s usual activity to a medical professional, regardless of the placenta’s position.
Common Considerations
An anterior placenta is not associated with increased risks for either the pregnant individual or the baby, and it does not affect the course of labor or the method of delivery. In rare instances, if an anterior placenta is also low-lying and covers part or all of the cervix (placenta previa), it may necessitate different management; however, this scenario is distinct from a normal anterior placenta. Anterior placental placement might also influence certain medical procedures. For example, during an amniocentesis, the placenta’s front position could make needle insertion slightly more challenging, though it does not increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Similarly, for a cesarean section, the medical team uses ultrasound guidance to identify the placenta’s location to plan the incision site.