where does the placenta normally lie?

[hairymcleary]

I'm nearly 38 weeks and baby is breech... went for a scan yesterday, as obstertrician was concerned it was looking a bit small. Nothing to worry about there apparently- it is on the small side, but nothing major. Anyway, I was reading the scan report and it said the placenta was on my right side. Isn't it meant to be at the back or up the top of the uterus?
Just wondering if the position of the placenta could be why my baby is breech? If so, is there any chance of the placenta moving and enabling the baby to turn? (ie, should I bother spending any more money on acupuncture?!!)

The placenta can be anywhere, as long as it's not at the bottom of the uterus covering the cervix.

I don't know if that's the cause of your baby being breech. Have you looked up the spinning babies website for advice on optimal foetal positioning?

My placenta was anterior (across my front) with my first baby, which I think can increase the chance of baby being back to back, but she wasn't. She was positioned head down and round my left side (which I think they call optimal) from quite early on.

This time my placenta is at the back of my uterus and really low (15mm from the cervix at 20 week scan) but baby is in the same position as dd was.

I don't think the placenta 'causes' the position of the baby IYSWIM but can influence it but the placenta certainly doesn't move. It attaches early on and grows attaching as it goes (hope that makes sense). It's very firmly attached until your baby comes out and your uterus contracts to expel it.

There are ways to help baby turn head down though - try the website that belgo mentioned. Best of luck with the rest of your pregnancy.

Good luck getting your baby to move Hairy I know quite a few people who have managed it I think they do often prefer to face the placenta.

Pink - isn't it funny how each pg is different? with my DS the placenta was posterior and high. He was in the perfect position for labour too. This time, and I am only 21 weeks so there is still time, the placenta is anterior and low and the baby is transverse. Hoping that the placenta will move up! Good luck to you too.