The placenta develops in the first weeks of pregnancy. This flat, pancake-like organ is attached to the uterine wall and provides the developing baby with the oxygen and nutrients it needs while also removing waste products via the umbilical cord. The placement of this organ can be at the front, back or sides of the uterus depending on where the egg gets fertilised. An anterior placenta pregnancy is when the placenta gets placed along the front of the uterus.
The fertilized egg which will grow to become your baby travels along the fallopian tube and embeds itself along the uterine wall. The placenta forms wherever this egg is embedded – along with the top, sides or in the front and back wall of the uterus. When the egg embeds itself along the front wall of the uterus, it forms an anterior placenta. You will know if you have an anterior placenta pregnancy during the ultrasound scan performed around the 20th week of the pregnancy.
An anterior placenta baby is just as safe as any other baby as its development is not impacted in any way. An anterior placenta pregnancy does the job of nourishing your foetus.
All positions along the uterine wall are normal sites for the development of the placenta. Placental health and the development of the baby does not depend on its placement. Therefore, it is not a problem to have an anterior placenta.
However, if the anterior placenta is lying very low in the uterus at the time of delivery, it might partly or completely block off the cervix. This would make a caesarean section necessary. This condition, called placenta previa is a rare complication.
An anterior placenta has no specific symptoms; it is only detected by the absence of a certain symptom – foetal movement.
If the mother feels no movement by the 23rd week, however, a foetal assessment and an ultrasound are a good idea.
An anterior placenta does not in general present any complications during gestation. However, it might seem vulnerable and prone to complications because of its position. This is the exception rather than the rule. The placenta, being a vascular and blood-rich organ, means that any tearing, rupture, cutting or needling poses the risk of excess bleeding. Some of the anterior birth complications are:
Ultrasound and MRI scans can be used to diagnose all these conditions well ahead of delivery to make sure that plans for a safe caesarean birth can be made.
If one has an anterior placenta, caesarean is not the only option while giving birth. If the vaginal opening is not covered, those having an anterior placenta have a good chance of giving birth normally.
An anterior placenta acts like a cushion between your skin and the foetus, foetal movements will be detected later on in the pregnancy and be more obvious to the bottom and sides of the abdomen instead of near the navel. Foetal movement and heartbeat of a baby in an anterior placenta pregnancy may be detected with a handheld doppler or fetometer in the first and second trimester. Ultrasounds may be needed to confirm good foetal health after 23 weeks. In the later stages of pregnancy too, it may be hard to feel your baby’s movements. Any changes or abrupt cessation of foetal movement at any stage should be investigated.
The placenta goes through a process of calcification and maturing over the term of pregnancy. It develops calcium deposits and some parts begin to die, only to be replaced with fibrous tissue. This calcification is the basis of grading of the placenta, with:
This is from inception in early pregnancy
This is at around 31 to 32 weeks of pregnancy
This is at around 36 to 37 weeks of pregnancy
This is at around 38 weeks of pregnancy, not before 37 weeks
At grade III, the placenta is severely calcified. This calcification is considered a normal part of pregnancy, and not a source of concern.
An anterior placenta is not in itself a cause of complication. Complications occur only when it combines with additional conditions like an anterior low-lying placenta, placenta previa or a placental abruption. In all these cases complications happen if a C – section is indicated or if the placenta gets detached from the wall of the womb.
Many pregnancy self-help sites and books teach techniques to make things easier during delivery for expectant mothers, which can be summarized as points for placental and mental health Some of the anterior low-lying placenta precautions include:
Conclusion – Above all stay happy, a happy frame of mind – more than the placement of the placenta or any medical intervention makes for happy and healthy babies.