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When it’s time for your routine ultrasounds during pregnancy, it’s completely natural to experience a mix of emotions. On one hand, the anticipation of seeing your baby—no matter how alien-like they might appear—is thrilling. Watching your little one wiggle around and putting a fuzzy face to the being responsible for your pregnancy symptoms, such as heartburn and food aversions, is exciting. On the other hand, the uncertainty can lead to anxiety. During an ultrasound, you can only see what is there, which might include an anterior placenta. Here’s what you should know about this condition.
What Does Having an Anterior Placenta Mean?
An anterior placenta is one that is located at the front of the uterus, close to your abdominal wall. The placenta develops where the fertilized egg implants in the uterine wall, which often occurs at the top of the uterus, but not exclusively. It’s a fairly common occurrence and typically isn’t a cause for concern. It’s worth noting that the placenta can shift position during pregnancy, so an anterior placenta at the start doesn’t guarantee it will remain there.
Usually, a pregnant person discovers they have an anterior placenta during their 20-week ultrasound, as noted by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Understanding Placental Grading
Despite the name, placental grading isn’t about testing your baby’s skills. It refers to how the placenta matures throughout pregnancy, considering factors like calcification and gestational age. Here’s a brief overview:
- Grade 0: Less than 18 weeks (early pregnancy)
- Grade 1: 18 to 29 weeks (the placenta starts to stretch to the lower part of the uterus)
- Grade 2: 30 to 39 weeks (the placenta reaches the cervix but does not cover it)
- Grade 3: Beyond 39 weeks (the placenta partially covers the cervix)
Risks Associated with an Anterior Placenta
While having an anterior placenta is generally not a cause for alarm, it does come with certain risks. Studies from 2013 and 2015 indicate that individuals with an anterior placenta may face a higher likelihood of:
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Gestational diabetes
- Placental abruption
- Back labor
- Cesarean delivery
- Intrauterine growth restriction
- Induction of labor
- Placenta previa
- Postpartum complications
Feeling Your Baby Move
Due to its location, an anterior placenta can make it more challenging to feel your baby’s movements. Most expectant parents start to notice kicks between 18 and 24 weeks, but those with an anterior placenta may take longer to feel these movements. Even once the baby grows and kicks stronger, the sensations may still feel less intense.
Delivery Options with an Anterior Placenta
The good news is that having an anterior placenta usually does not hinder labor or delivery. Vaginal delivery is possible unless the placenta is covering the cervix, which could lead to complications. Cesarean sections are also viable unless the placenta is positioned lower in the uterus, where the incision typically occurs. In such cases, your healthcare provider will use an ultrasound to identify a safe incision site.
Gender and Anterior Placenta
Some old wives’ tales suggest that having an anterior placenta might indicate you’re having a girl. While a 2014 study found that over 70% of pregnancies with female babies involved anterior placentas, more research is needed to establish a direct link. To accurately determine your baby’s gender, an ultrasound or blood test is the best approach.
Sleeping Positions with Anterior Placenta
For those with an anterior placenta, the recommended sleeping position is on your left side with your knees bent. This position enhances blood flow and nutrient delivery to your baby while reducing pressure on the liver. Interestingly, some research suggests that a mother’s sleeping position at conception may influence where the placenta implants.
For more insights on this topic, you can check out this post from our blog. If you’re exploring options for home insemination, Cryobaby’s home intracervical insemination syringe kit is a trusted resource. Additionally, Healthline offers excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
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Summary
An anterior placenta, while common and usually harmless, can be associated with specific risks and may affect how you experience fetal movements. It’s important to stay informed about your pregnancy and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe delivery.
Keyphrase: Anterior placenta
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