After a bit of confusion surrounding positions of the placenta and baby, I thought I…

After a bit of confusion surrounding positions of the placenta and baby, I thought I would post this. When we refer to baby being 'posterior' we mean 'occipito posterior'. This is when the occiput (back of the head) is facing the back or posterior part of the womb. When we say the baby is 'anterior' we mean that the occiput is facing the belly or front of the womb.

A posterior or anterior placenta is something totally separate. It quite simply refers to the section of the womb that it has implanted into, either the front or back (anterior/posterior)

Now aside from the images you see, you can have a posterior baby and anterior placenta or anterior baby and posterior placenta.

The position of the placenta really doesnt matter, as long as its not too close to or covering the cervix (which may restrict baby being born vaginally) There is some anecdotal reports of fetal movements not being felt as early with an anterior placenta but I havent found much scientific evidence to support this. If anyone has any, please do let me know!

The position of the baby however can have an impact on the birth. An anterior baby is optimal in that the birth is often shorter and easier. A posterior baby (also known as sunny side up or back to back) can cause labour to progress slowly and can be a lot more uncomfortable.

Positons that may help get baby into an optimal position for birth are available in my free birth guide pack, available to download from my website midwifemarley.con