Anterior placenta

[Bettie2192]

Just found out I have an anterior placenta, but I think it’s still high up and not getting in the way too much so I’m not too worried about that.
The only thing that concerns me is the apparent higher chance of having a back to back labour, which worries me because I really want to avoid any kind of instrumental assistance, caesarean etc. Anyone had an anterior placenta but had baby born facing the ‘normal’ way?

I’m anterior too- watching with interest. Obv I haven’t deliver my baby yet but I was a bit worried like you. Having spoken to some doctor friends they were quite reassuring - they dont bat an eyelid about anterior placenta and said it’s perfectly normal(unless it’s low down where they might be a few things to consider) and reassured me babies often manoeuvre themselves into the right position anyway. I got really worried by what I read on the Tommy’s website but having spoken to doctors I feel reassured. Good luck with your pregnancy and enjoy the extra cushion for the kicks! X

@Fellmonster5 thank you for your comment, that’s reassuring to hear :) From what I’ve read it’s not uncommon and not a big deal, it’s just the effects on labour that worry me a little bit. But ‘higher’ chance doesn’t mean ‘high’ chance!
Also it really weirds me out knowing my placenta is at the front, I feel like I could knock it or something 😂

I had an anterior placenta with my third and it was a normal labour, not back to back as far as I know- super quick and no more painful than the other two (no painkillers with any of them due to getting to hospital too late!).

Had my baby in Feb.

I had an anterior placenta, went into labour and baby was back to back. So very painful labour (not that I have anything to compare it to because it was my first born). Didn't have to have any instruments etc, gave birth off just gas and air with no complications.

Friend of mine also recently had back to back labour, opted for an epidural and ended up needing forceps.
I do believe if I would have had an epidural I would have probably needed an assisted birth.

@GentlyGentlyOhDear that’s good to know :)

I would say as a midwife, I don’t see this. I had anterior placenta both times, not back to back either times. Had CS first time and SVd second time. There are many other things that influence fetal positioning. Look into spinning babies and optimal fetal positioning

@user00119922 thanks for sharing, good to know you got through it ok even being back to back.
It’s not the back to back bit that worries me, just the idea of medical intervention. I’d like to avoid that as much as possible if I can. Really not trying to be a hero, I just want to do things myself as much as possible.

@Mummyme87 I will have a look into that, thank you

Hi, I had an anterior placenta. I was induced at 38+5 because of reduced movements. Labour was absolutely fine, no pain relief and no stitches. Baby was back to back but she turned just in time. I think it was just over 5 hours in labour - I had a water birth too which helped!

@latheritup thank you, sounds like you had a good experience then :)

@Bettie2192 I'm the weirdo who loved labour lol! It was great. Stay positive

Anterior placenta is just a variation of normal. It’s nothing to be concerned about. I’ve had 2 anterior placentas both natural labours and births with no interventions.

I'v has anterior placentas. Labour was back to back with DC1, only found out after, really quick labour of 4 hours with gas and air.

I had an anterior placenta with both my pregnancies. First was back to back and a bit painful. Second was normal way and hardly any pain. I would say my first was more painful due to other complications though. I'm quite weird though as i loved the pain of labour. Was just a good feeling. Good luck op

Anterior placenta all of my babies. 2 we’re back to back labour but apart from being painful (and that could have been because they were inductions) no issues. I’ve had 3 births with no need for instrumental assistance and no tears or grazes in any of mine either (I’m aware I’m lucky!)

Anterior placenta and 'normal ' presentation and delivery x

Mine was and delivery wasn't back to back - it was fine!

My daughter had an anterior placenta and had the perfect birth!! The main problem was the lack of movement that she could feel so she had to be monitored regularly from about 30 weeks . X

OP where were you informed anterior is more likely to result in back to back? I’m anterior and low lying so will have another scan nearer the time to see where my placenta is. I’m nearly 21 weeks and haven’t felt anything yet.

Thank you all for sharing, I do feel better now :) even if it is back to back, it doesn’t sound like that automatically means trouble

@peachypetite on a couple of websites, I can’t remember which. Should probably stay off google and talk to the professionals!

Both my son’s were back to back. First labour ended in epidural and forceps. Second was great, had a water birth and he turned himself

I had anterior with my daughter and had a lovely labour, baby in right position. Son was posterior placenta and back to back and labour was much trickier. Pregnant with my third and this one is anterior, hoping for a repeat of my daughter’s birth!