Recently, several mothers on our social forum shared their concerns about feeling fewer baby movements during pregnancy, especially those with an Anterior Placenta. They expressed worry, not knowing if this was normal or something to be concerned about. If you are in a similar situation, or facing a stressful phase in your pregnancy journey, this article is for you.
What is Anterior Placenta?
An anterior placenta is when the placenta attaches to the front wall of your uterus (womb). The placenta plays a crucial role in nourishing your baby by supplying oxygen and nutrients, while also removing waste products from your baby’s blood.
How Does Anterior Placenta Affect Baby Movements?
The location of the placenta can sometimes affect how you feel your baby moving. With an anterior placenta, the placenta is positioned between your baby and your belly, which can act as a cushion. As a result, it may be harder to feel your baby’s movements, especially in the earlier stages of pregnancy.
Usually, most people begin to feel their baby move between 18-24 weeks. However, if you have an anterior placenta, you may notice the baby’s movements later than other mothers. If this is your first pregnancy, it may take longer to feel those first flutters. For those who’ve been pregnant before, movements might be noticeable as early as 16 weeks.
As we always say, every pregnancy is different. There is no set number of movements you should feel at any given time. What matters most is understanding your baby's usual movements and patterns. If you feel like your baby's movements have slowed, stopped, or changed, don’t wait. Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately for reassurance.
What to Do if You Are Worried About Baby Movements?
If you’re not feeling your baby move as much as you expect, it’s natural to feel anxious. However, don’t assume that the anterior placenta is the cause. Always reach out to your doctor if you notice a change in your baby’s movements. It's important to get checked to ensure everything is fine.
Even though the anterior placenta may make it harder to feel the baby, it’s essential not to ignore any signs that feel off. Discuss any concerns with your doctor, your doctor should be open to listen to your concerns and take you out of stress so you can have stress-free healthy pregnancy—they may be able to offer comfort or suggest additional steps for monitoring your baby’s health.
Can Anterior Placenta Cause Pregnancy Complications?
For the most part, an anterior placenta does not cause significant pregnancy complications. However, there are a few things to consider:
Medical Tests: Some medical tests, such as amniocentesis (a test to check for genetic conditions), may be harder to perform due to the position of the placenta. But with the help of ultrasound guidance, the doctor will take extra care to avoid the placenta, minimizing any risk.
Baby’s Position: Having an anterior placenta might increase the chances of your baby being in a back-to-back position (occipitoposterior), where the back of the baby’s head faces your spine. This position can sometimes lead to longer or more painful labors. But don’t worry—most babies will turn into the correct position before birth. Even if your baby remains in a back-to-back position during labor, it’s still possible to have a normal vaginal birth, though it might require some extra support.
Having an anterior placenta is a common and normal occurrence in pregnancy, but it may affect how you feel your baby moving. If you’re feeling anxious, always reach out to your doctor for guidance. Every pregnancy is unique, and it’s important to trust your instincts and get support when you need it. Your baby’s movements are a vital sign of their health, and your doctor is there to help you through any concerns.
We are always here for pregnant women to reach out to us with any concerns or stresses they may have, at any time of day or night. Our social forum is always active, with fellow mothers who understand and support each other. Together, we can make the pregnancy journey easier and more reassuring for everyone.
