Anterior placenta - your birth stories please

[Zobear]

Hello, I'm just after others experiences with having an anterior placenta - specifically a low lying one.

I got told at my 20w scan that I have this, it's not covering the cervix but the sonographer had said it would be a concern if it is under 2cm to the opening of the cervix and she said mine was 16-19mm... well that's under 2cm no? I haven't been offered another scan to check this, she has said they will check it at the normal 36w scan but people I have spoken to have all said they've had re-scans at around 32w.

This is my 4th baby, previous have all been postierior so all new territory. I have very quick labour's and had a previous baby at 37w, so I'm worried about naturally going into labour and nothing they can do about it because my babies come literally within 10minutes of getting to the hospital.

I will ask my midwife at my next appointment but just after real experiences. I have also heard you are at higher risk of bleeding out after labour and hemorrhaging ?
Did your placenta move up and out of the way? Were you able to have a natural uncomplicated delivery? Or did you have a c section in the end - how far were you when that happened?
TIA

I had an anterior placenta with my first two, although not low lying. From what I've heard it's quite common for the placenta to shift upwards later in the pregnancy tho, as the uterus stretches.

One thing I did notice in subsequent pregnancies with a posterior placenta, is the difference in movement from the fetus. With my anterior placenta movements were not as obvious. I didn't realise how little I felt them move until I had a pregnancy with a posterior placenta and I could feel loads of movement!

I had an anterior placenta with my first born, no real issues it was just difficult for the midwives to doppler her or examine her generally. I didn't feel many movements or kicks until very late on.

I think there are two separate issues here - anterior placenta is a normal presentation of the placenta, and doesn’t cause any issues.

Low lying placenta, or placenta previa, is what can cause the bleeding and requires a c section if it doesn’t move up. I don’t remember the numbers, but I think in most cases it does move as the pregnancy progresses. Given you have had a spontaneous labour at 37 weeks, and they you have quick labours, I can see why you don’t want to wait for a 36 week scan for confirmation. In your shoes I’d explain all that to the midwife at your next appointment and insist on an earlier rescan (32 weeks maybe?).

I had a very low lying anterior placenta with my first. I also had it checked late on in the pregnancy, i think it was 36 weeks, as they can move up later in pregnancy.

Mine did move and I had a vaginal, waterbirth. Baby did get a little stuck and the pushing stage took a while but that was more likely due to the fact he was back to back. Midwife was able to work magic and he came out with no tears or mechanical interventions.

Absolutely it was a bit harder to feel kicks and movement but late stage pregnancy I could feel enough to be reassured about his regular patterns of movement etc. It was a normal pregnancy/ birth.

Thanks all for the replies.
I will bring this up at my next appointment..4 weeks away 🫠
Reassuring to know that most do move up and out of the way, fingers crossed this is my case.

Also re baby movement. I haven't had any issues, they move around like a good'n! Although I definitely didn't feel them as early as my other pregnancies.

I was advised at my 20 week scan that I had a low lying anterior placenta and would likely need a section because of it.
Im now 35 weeks.
Placenta is now posterior and quite high it. Its moved dramatically and no longer in the way.
Give it time but ask for an earlier rescan.

Thank you for your response, that's reassuring to know! I will definitely push for an earlier scan.
Good luck with your birth x

I've had it twice and both moved in time for the birth. Sounds like yours will probably move yet too. No complications during/after birth.

I had this in my pregnancy a year ago, mentioned at the 20 week scan. I got myself quite stressed and worked up but it was all good, placenta moved so far clear that it was no longer considered a low lying placenta and I had a pretty straightforward vaginal delivery. I was told most move up than not. Good luck I’m sure you will be fine!

I had anterior placenta with my third. Spontaneous labour at 40+4, total 2.5 hours, both at home. Took a bit to get him out but that was because he had both hands on his head, the placenta wasn't an issue at all.