The placenta is a unique organ that’s only present during pregnancy. This disk- or pancake-shaped organ takes nutrients and oxygen from your body and transfers it to your baby. In return, the baby’s side will deliver waste products that go back to your bloodstream.
When you deliver your baby, you’ll also deliver the placenta. For the most part, the placenta’s positioning isn’t a cause for concern. But there are some positions that are more common than others. The anterior position is less commonplace for the placenta to attach.
The placenta can attach virtually anywhere in the uterus to nourish your baby. Usually, the placenta positions itself at either the top or side of the uterus. But it’s always possible that the placenta will attach to the front of the stomach, a position known as an anterior placenta. If the placenta attaches to the back of the uterus, near your spine, this is known as a posterior placenta.
Typically, your doctor will check the position of your placenta during your mid-pregnancy ultrasound, which should take place between 18 and 21 weeks of pregnancy.
The anterior positioning of the placenta shouldn’t make a difference to your baby. It should continue to nourish your baby regardless of its positioning. But there are a few slight differences you may notice due to the placenta’s front positioning. The placenta might create extra space or cushion between your stomach and your baby, for example. You may not feel kicks or punches as strongly because the placenta can act as a cushion.
Also, having a placenta in the front of your stomach could make it difficult to listen to your baby’s heart sounds because your baby won’t be as close to your stomach.
Luckily these are minor inconveniences that shouldn’t impact your baby’s health however, sometimes it makes it difficult to see the baby in a 3 D ultrasound.