Why is my placenta anterior

An anterior placenta is one that attaches to the front of the uterus. An anterior placenta generally does not affect the pregnancy or health of the fetus. However, it may change how a woman has medical checkups and sometimes increases certain risks. Learn more in this article. The placenta is an organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy to nourish the baby with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord.

The placenta attaches itself to the wall of the uterus. Anterior placenta is the medical term for a placenta that connects to the front of the uterus. Most of the time, a fertilized egg will implant on the back of the uterine wall. When this happens, the placenta generally forms along that wall as well. Doctors refer to this as a posterior placenta.

Sometimes, having an anterior placenta may make it harder for a woman to feel fetal movements. In some cases, it can make it more challenging for an obstetrician to detect a fetal heartbeat. Generally, the positioning of the placenta does not affect the pregnancy or the fetus unless the placenta blocks the cervix, which is called placenta previa. A woman with placenta previa may need to stay in the hospital for monitoring, and she is likely to need to give birth via cesarean delivery.

However, an anterior placenta is not likely to affect the pregnancy or its management. The differences in a pregnancy with an anterior placenta are minor. Ready to learn more about how an anterior placenta affects pregnancy and delivery? In this article: What is anterior placenta? How an anterior placenta affects pregnancy How an anterior placenta affects delivery Anterior placenta risks. The placenta is an organ that develops in pregnancy.

Along with the umbilical cord, it supplies oxygen, nutrients and hormones to baby, and helps remove waste. As baby grows during those first weeks of gestation, so will the placenta. It can develop anywhere along the uterus and may even move positions throughout pregnancy.

All of the previously mentioned placental positions are considered normal and safe. The placenta can migrate, though, and this position is slightly less typical toward the end of pregnancy. If you have an anterior placenta, the organ has developed on the front wall of the uterus closest to your stomach. Most doctors will tell you that none of these positions are cause for concern.

However, if they mention that you have a low-lying placenta or placenta previa, it may be a red flag more on this later. Ultrasound is the best way to diagnose the condition. To confirm an anterior placenta, ultrasound is needed. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading.

Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. What does that mean? If your practitioner tells you that you have an anterior placenta, this just means that your baby is taking a backseat to the placenta , the pancake-shaped organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. While having an anterior placenta might come with some minor inconveniences, the good news is that it shouldn't pose any risk to your health.

The placenta is formed with the sole purpose of supporting your pregnancy. This incredible organ acts as the lifeline between your baby and your own blood supply, enabling your baby eat and breathe. The term "anterior placenta" simply refers to the location of the placenta within your uterus.

So if you have an anterior placenta, this means the organ is attached in the front of your bump instead of at the back closer to your spine, where a posterior placenta is located. Your practitioner might inform you of the location of your placenta during one of your pregnancy ultrasounds.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Typical placenta location. How is an anterior placenta different? Are there potential complications to an anterior placenta? When should I call the doctor about a placenta problem? The takeaway. Parenthood Pregnancy 2nd Trimester.

Placental Insufficiency. What Is Placental Abruption? Is Eating Your Placenta Safe? Read this next. Placenta Previa.