Dear friends, if you’re pregnant, here’s something worth knowing. Most pregnancy books won’t tell you much about the position of your placenta, but it actually matters more than you could imagine. In nearly half of all pregnancies, the placenta attaches to the front wall of the uterus. We call it an anterior placenta. If this is your first time hearing this term, don’t worry. We’ve covered almost everything in this short article about it. It’s common, usually harmless, and just means your placenta is doing its job, but from a different position.
Curious to learn more about what an anterior placenta means? Keep reading.
Anterior Placenta: Understanding The Term
During pregnancy, the placenta grows inside the uterus. It's an important organ that provides food and oxygen to the baby and removes waste. Normally, the placenta attaches to the top or back of the uterus. However, in certain cases, it connects to the front and is referred to as the anterior placenta.
How Will an Anterior Placenta Affect My Pregnancy?
While it usually has a neutral presence during pregnancy, it can make a few things more challenging. You may not feel those first fluttery kicks as early or as strongly, which can be a bit unsettling. Moreover, it may take a bit more effort to find your baby's heartbeat during ultrasounds. In rare cases, it could also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications. But rest assured, your doctor knows how to handle any situation that arises.
Symptoms of Anterior Placenta
The common signs that indicate an anterior placenta are as follows:
• As the placenta is positioned between your belly & the baby in this condition, it becomes difficult to feel the heartbeat.
• With an anterior placenta, the placenta acts as a gentle buffer between your belly and baby. This can delay that magical moment when you first feel those tiny kicks, often around the 20th week. And when you do feel them, they might be softer and more subtle than you would expect. Every pregnancy is unique, and this gentle delay is usually nothing to worry about.
Causes Of Anterior Placenta
An expectant mom may have anterior placenta because of the following reasons-
• Having an O-positive blood type
• Sleeping on your stomach when you are pregnant
Please note that these findings aren't conclusive yet. More studies are needed to say for sure.
Risks of Anterior Placenta
There are a few risks of having an anterior placenta, like:
• Placenta Previa: This is the condition where the placenta covers your cervix fully or partially.
• C-Section: Placenta Previa might block your vagina, preventing normal vaginal birth. This increases the likelihood of a C-section during delivery.
• Back Labor: Anterior placenta increases the likelihood of your baby being born in the OP position. This is when the baby’s back is in the same position as your back, making labour longer & more difficult.
How Is An Anterior Placenta Diagnosed?
An anterior placenta is usually detected during a routine ultrasound scan between 18 - 21 weeks of pregnancy. Doctors can confirm the diagnosis around the 20th week because the placenta's position can change earlier in pregnancy.
When To Seek Medical Help
If you have an anterior placenta or any concerns about your placenta, talk to your doctor immediately if you experience:
• Vaginal bleeding in late pregnancy
• Severe cramps or sharp belly pain
• Less or no baby movement
• Contractions before 37 weeks
• Early signs of labor
Conclusion
While an anterior placenta is typically not a concern, certain conditions like placenta previa can lead to complications. Staying informed is key. Meanwhile, consider planning for your baby's future health with cord blood banking. By preserving your newborn's cord blood, you can potentially safeguard your entire family against over 80 serious diseases.
Sounds too good to be true? Get in touch with our experts on 1800266553 for a free presentation to understand this better. For details, visit www.lifecell.in.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.