Theres often confusion between an anterior or posterior positioned baby, and an…

Theres often confusion between an anterior or posterior positioned baby, and an anterior or posterior positioned placenta. Both are different but this post will focus on the position of the placenta.

An anterior or posterior placenta quite simply refers to the section of the womb that it has implanted into, either the front or back. The placenta can also implant at the side, top or bottom of the uterus. If it implants at the bottom and covers the cervix, this is called a placenta praevia and restricts a baby from being born vaginally it the cervix is completely blocked. If its low down in the uterus, but not touching the cervix, it's called 'low lying'.

Wheb you have an anterior or posterior placenta just depends on which direction the fertilised egg decides to go in once its reach the uterus. Having a posterior, anterior or fundal placenta doesnt bear much significance in terms of the birth. There are some anecdotal reports of fetal movements not being felt as early with an anterior placenta but I havent found many studies that support this conclusively.

I had an anterior placenta with my last two babies and didn't feel movements until around 22 weeks, a real contrast to my others who I felt between 14-18 weeks.

What are your experiences of placental position and baby movements?

#pregnancy #birth #midwifery #obstetrics #childbirth #midwifemarley