Placenta Anterior

Placenta anterior is a term used to describe the position of the placenta on the front surface of the uterus, which is the side closest to the abdominal wall. This condition is common and often considered a normal variant of pregnancy.

Causes of anterior placenta

An anterior placenta is usually due to the fertilized egg’s point of attachment to the uterus. The egg attaches to the uterus’s front wall, leading to the placenta growing and developing on the same surface.

Symptoms of anterior placenta

Usually, there are no significant symptoms of placenta anterior, just as with a posterior placenta. However, the baby’s movements can be less pronounced in an anterior placenta, as the placenta forms a buffer between the baby’s movements and the mother’s abdominal wall. Additionally, women with anterior placenta may experience slightly fewer childbirth symptoms and, as it’s difficult for them to feel the baby’s position in the pelvis (or kicking), it can’t help them to have an idea of their baby’s state.

Treatment options

Anterior placenta does not typically require treatment, as it’s a common, normal variant of pregnancy. However, your doctor will monitor you and your baby closely to ensure that there are no complications. In some cases, a c-section delivery may be recommended to minimize any bleeding caused by a natural, vaginal delivery.

In some cases, women with an anterior placenta may be more susceptible to having a baby in breech or transverse position which can make delivery complicated. Specific alternative positioning therapies such as pelvic tilting or inversion for help move the baby into the correct position before delivery may mitigate this challenge.

Conclusion

An anterior placenta typically poses no significant risk to the mother or baby, and it does not require treatment in most cases. However, women with this condition should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider, and any concerning symptoms must be communicated immediately. In general, an anterior placenta is a normal pregnancy variation and not a cause for alarm.