What does an anterior placenta feel like?

[vfoster]

This may sound like a ridiculous question....it probably is!
I'm
Currently 18+4 and not really feeling any movements. The only movements I have get are pretty low down and I'm not 100% sure its even the baby I feel. It's my second pregnancy so thought I'd feel it earlier (I know this isn't always the case).

I just want to clarify: I am not anxious about the movements; I know it's really early! I am asking because an anterior placenta is one of the things that could prevent me having a VBAC. I wouldn't even be upset if I have to have a c section again. I'm more just trying to get my head round it before my 20 week scan as I have my consultant appointment straight after and want to have all the questions I want to ask in my head! It's likely to be the last consultant appointment for a while and I always leave wishing I'd asked loads more!

So, with that cleared up, are there any other symptoms of an anterior placenta? Any experiences of a successful VBAC with an anterior placenta? Any questions I need to add to my list? (I know, I must be the consultant's nightmare but I need to know everything!)

Thanks 😃

[user1468957349]

My understanding is it would only be an issue if it's a low lying anterior placenta. If it's high then shouldn't be an issue (my sis has VBAC with high anterior). I have a high anterior placenta and am considered low risk although this is my first.

[Snoopysimaginaryfriend]

Hi. I'm nearly 16 weeks with my second and have only ever had anterior placentas so can't really compare any differences in movements. You will tend to feel movement later when baby is bigger.

I don't really understand why having an anterior placenta would affect whether or not you had a VBAC. In fact this time my placenta is anterior and low lying and I understand that's the trickiest position if I were to require a c section as the placenta is where they would cut. It wouldn't stop a VB

[Bear2014]

Anterior just means 'at the front' so doesn't make a difference for VBAC unless it's low-lying, as PP has said. I had an anterior placenta with DD and I did feel movements later than most people but when she got a bit bigger there was no mistaking her.

[Snoopysimaginaryfriend]

Let me also clarify I don't have placenta previa (where the placenta covers the cervix). Are you maybe getting confused as placenta previa could affect VB

[missmayup]

Hiya! When I was pregnant with my first I had this. I was around 18/19 weeks when I felt my first movements, my midwife said the placenta cushions the kicks. I had a totally normal birth and as the other ladies said, it's only low lying anterior that can pose a problem. Something I noted was that I had a tiny bump because he was so nestled in there, had a growth scan at 35 weeks and it was all fine, but wondered if the placenta position was why. Ended up having a back to back birth which was slightly more uncomfortable than a normal one but nothing that couldn't be solved with gas and air. :) good luck! ❤️

[vfoster]

Thanks for the replies.
My notes definitely say VBAC unless placenta anterior and no other information. Perhaps brief as other consultants will know why that is. She only mentioned it very briefly as my first consultant appointment was at 10 weeks. She mentioned the placenta covering the scar and that's it.

[Snoopysimaginaryfriend]

Ah ok. After doing some research it appears most consultants will want a 2cm gap between the edge of the placenta and the womb opening to avoid placental rupture as pressure is applied from baby's head during birth (this is from Google so no idea if this is completely accurate) but it would appear they will probably take careful measurements on scans before they ok a vaginal birth.

[Snoopysimaginaryfriend]

Hmmm this thread has made me wonder how 'low lying' mine is. Must remember to ask about it

[drinkyourmilk]

I've an anterior placenta.
I felt movements earlier on (probably around 17-18 weeks) like baby was trying to tunnel out through my vagina!
My placenta is high- and I still only feel them (33 weeks) if they are turning, or are under my ribs/way to either side.

[toomuchtimereadingthreads2016]

Hi! I'm second pregnancy too :) 21w now. All my movements are so low down! like on my trouser waist band and no higher! I was wondering about anterior placenta too! When I had my 20w scan I asked the (otherwise lovely) sonographer if I had anterior placenta because of only feeling low down movements and she replied that "well the baby is down there, she wont move up until later!" and didnt answer my question. Seeing midwife next week so will ask again but i defo have a big bump going up to my ribs so dont know... Sorry that was a rubbish reply for advice, just wanted to say same! And the movements I feel are huge now, other people can feel with their hands and I can see my belly moving but like I said, low xx

[harleysmammy]

My sister had vbac with anterior. I dont think there are any symptoms other than not feeling baby as strong/often/early. Mind you saying that, i felt my baby kicking every day and relatively strong from around 21 weeks. At first it was movements at 20 weeks down low which could have been baby, could have been gas. Then it got obvious it was baby at 21 weeks ish. Ive been in for low movement a few times and im 29 weeks, it wasnt actually low movement it was just my son curling up behind placenta. I've never really found the placenta to be an issue, because i can feel the baby sticking arms and legs out all over the shop. But other than not feeling a pattern or movements early, i dont think there are any other symptoms x

[vfoster]

Thanks everyone, one of my questions will be 'how will the placenta placement effect the birth?' Even if it's not anterior!
I hav epurposelfy steered clear of google as it makes me anxious! And I really don't want to know what 'placental rupture' means 😂.
The description of 'tunnelling out through the vagina' is idea to describe what movements I've (possibly) felt as it's right down there and nothing above! 😂
Thanks again, I've not got my scan for another 2 weeks and I'm intrigued by it now.
I'm still not sure if VBAC will happen as I've ruled out induction (nightmare experience the first time) and this baby is set to be big! Maybe a section will be a blessing!

Thanks again!

[IntoTheDeep]

I've had both anterior and posterior placentas, and the only difference I noticed was that movements were less noticeable with the anterior placenta.

toomuchtime when you had your scan, did the sonographer put a copy of the report in your hand held notes? They always did when I had my scans, and if it was one where they'd looked at the placenta, there'd be a brief line including the position of the placenta.

[toomuchtimereadingthreads2016]

Yes they did now you mention it! Will have to have a proper read through and see if there is a mention! I just skim read and saw "girl" "all normal" and lots of measurements lol .

[TwoDogs9]

I had an anterior placenta and didn't feel any movements until twenty weeks despite the baby being extremely active on all the scans. I can't compare it to posterior placenta as i only have one DC. I had vaginal delivery. I think the placenta placement is only a factor affecting VBAC if it's low lying.

[vfoster]

Hmmm, I've been feeling loads of movements since posting this thread (19 weeks today). They are all still really low and in my pelvis if that makes sense. Nothing any higher. Very intrigued to see where it is now!

[toomuchtimereadingthreads2016]

Just thought I'd come back to say I did read the "small print" on my notes from 20w scan and I was right about having anterior placenta!

[vfoster]

UPDATE: had my 20 week scan yesterday. My placenta is low lying but completely at the back so I was 100%wrong!