To understand what an anterior placenta is we need to first start with the placenta, which is what keeps your baby alive during pregnancy. This large organ attaches to the wall of the uterus and delivers oxygen and nutrients to your baby via the umbilical cord.
The placenta can grow in any position inside the uterus, including anterior where it attaches itself to the inside of the front wall. Basically, it sits between the baby and your belly button.
The placenta position is checked during an ultrasound at the 19-21 week mark.
Having an anterior placenta does not pose any risk to you or your baby.
With an anterior placenta, you might not be able to feel those early kicks and punches. This is because your placenta is acting like a big pillow between the front of your stomach and the baby…
For this same reason, you might feel that your baby’s movements aren’t as strong as what you may have expected or have experienced in a past pregnancy.
That said babies generally develop a pattern which you will soon become familiar with. You may notice more movement at night – when you have settled down and your body has time to relax.
If things feel a little bit different to normal or there seems to be a deviation from your know pattern, contact your doctor or midwife who will advise you of next steps which may include counting movements as well as an ultrasound.
You can listen to more about mother’s instincts and what to do if things feel a little different on the podcast here.
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