What Is an Anterior Placenta During Pregnancy?

The placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby and removes waste products. The placenta also produces hormones that help to maintain the pregnancy.

Anterior placenta is a term that describes the position of the placenta in the uterus. When the placenta is located on the front wall of the uterus, it is called an anterior placenta. This is the most common position for the placenta.

An anterior placenta can sometimes cause problems during pregnancy. For example, it can make it more difficult to feel the baby's movements. It can also increase the risk of placental abruption, which is a condition in which the placenta separates from the uterus before the baby is born.

However, most women with an anterior placenta do not experience any problems. If you have an anterior placenta, your doctor will monitor your pregnancy closely to make sure that everything is progressing normally.

Here are some of the signs and symptoms of an anterior placenta:

- Reduced fetal movement

- Increased risk of placental abruption

- Difficulty hearing the baby's heartbeat with a Doppler

- Prominent belly

- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, talk to your doctor. They can evaluate you and determine if you have an anterior placenta. If you do have an anterior placenta, they will monitor your pregnancy closely to make sure that everything is progressing normally.