At your ultrasound, your midwife or doctor has told you that your placenta is anterior — or posterior. But what does that actually mean? And is it something you need to worry about?
The position of the placenta is something almost all pregnant women learn about at some point during pregnancy, and it is entirely natural to wonder what it means. For most women the position is completely harmless, but it can affect how early and how clearly you feel your baby's kicks.
What is the placenta?
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy. It is connected to your baby via the umbilical cord and performs vital functions:
- Transports oxygen and nutrients from mother to baby
- Carries waste products away from your baby
- Produces hormones that sustain the pregnancy
- Acts as a barrier against infections
The placenta attaches to the wall of the uterus early in pregnancy. Where it attaches can vary — and this is what is referred to as the placenta's position.
Anterior placenta
When the placenta is anterior, it means it has attached to the front wall of the uterus — between your baby and your abdomen. This is also called an anterior placenta in medical terminology.
What does this mean in practice?
- The placenta acts as a "cushion" between your baby and your abdominal wall
- You may feel movement later than other pregnant women
- Kicks may feel weaker, especially early in pregnancy
- Ultrasound examinations can take a little longer
An anterior placenta is very common and occurs in approximately 40–50% of all pregnancies. It is a completely normal variation and nothing to worry about.
When will you feel kicks with an anterior placenta?
Most first-time mothers feel movement around weeks 18–20. With an anterior placenta it can take longer — many women do not feel clear movement until weeks 22–24, and some not until week 25.
The reason is straightforward: the placenta absorbs movement. Your baby is kicking just as much, but you feel it less because the placenta lies between you and your baby.
Read more about kicks with an anterior placenta for detailed information.
Posterior placenta
When the placenta is posterior, it has attached to the back wall of the uterus — closer to your spine. This is called a posterior placenta.
What does this mean in practice?
- Your baby lies closer to the abdominal wall with no placenta in between
- You often feel kicks earlier and more clearly
- Ultrasound examinations may be easier to perform
- Your bump may look a little more "pointed"
A posterior placenta is just as normal as an anterior one. Many women experience it as an advantage because they can feel their baby's movements more distinctly.
Other placenta positions
The placenta can also attach in other locations:
Fundal placenta (top)
The placenta sits at the top of the uterus. This is considered the most ideal position and gives the baby plenty of room.
Lateral placenta (side)
The placenta sits on one side of the uterus. Completely normal and unproblematic in the vast majority of cases.
Low-lying placenta
If the placenta lies near or over the cervix, this is called placenta previa. This requires additional monitoring and can affect the birth. Read more about placenta previa.
If the placenta is found to be low-lying at the week 18–20 ultrasound, it is important to know that in many cases it "migrates" upward as the uterus grows. Your doctor will schedule a follow-up scan.
Can the position of the placenta change?
Yes — and no. The placenta does not move, but the uterus grows. As the uterus expands, the placenta can be "drawn" upward. This is especially relevant for low-lying placentas:
- At weeks 18–20, the placenta is low-lying in up to 10% of pregnancies
- By term, only around 0.5% still have placenta previa
- Your doctor will reassess the position at a scan around weeks 32–36
For anterior or posterior placentas, the position does not change significantly. It stays where it attached.
Does placenta position affect birth?
For most women — no. An anterior or posterior placenta has no bearing on whether you can deliver vaginally.
Placenta position can be relevant if:
- A cesarean section is planned: The surgeon takes the position into account to avoid cutting through the placenta
- The placenta is low-lying (placenta previa): This may be an indication for cesarean section
- The placenta is both anterior and low: Requires special attention if a cesarean is performed
If you are planning your birth, a birth plan can be a helpful way to include information about your placenta's position so your care team is fully informed.
Does placenta position affect prenatal monitoring?
The position of the placenta can affect certain aspects of your prenatal care:
Ultrasound
With an anterior placenta, it can sometimes be more difficult to get clear images of your baby because the placenta is in the way. The sonographer may need a little extra time or ask you to return for a follow-up scan.
Fetal heart rate monitoring (CTG)
Your midwife may sometimes have difficulty finding the heartbeat with the CTG monitor if the placenta is anterior. This is completely normal and does not mean anything is wrong — it simply requires a little extra patience.
Amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
With invasive procedures such as amniocentesis or CVS, the doctor takes the placenta's position into account when choosing the entry point. Read more about prenatal diagnostics and genetic testing.
Anterior placenta and counting kicks
The guidelines for monitoring fetal movement apply regardless of placenta position. From around weeks 24–26 you should be aware of your baby's pattern of activity.
Important to know:
- Learn your baby's individual pattern — every baby is different
- You should feel at least 10 distinct movements in a two-hour period
- With an anterior placenta, you may feel movements best at the sides and lower abdomen
- Reduced movement should always be checked — contact your maternity unit
If you experience a marked decrease in fetal movement, always contact your maternity unit — regardless of placenta position. Do not wait until the next day. Seek care the same day.
When should you contact your doctor?
The position of the placenta is rarely a cause for concern in itself. But contact your doctor or midwife if you:
- Experience vaginal bleeding
- Notice a clear decrease in your baby's movements
- Have severe abdominal pain
- Have been told you have a low-lying placenta and develop new symptoms
Frequently asked questions
Is an anterior placenta dangerous?
No, an anterior placenta is a completely normal position and occurs in nearly half of all pregnancies. The only practical difference is that you may feel kicks a little later and more faintly than with a posterior placenta.
Can placenta position predict the baby's sex?
There is a popular theory (the Ramzi method) that claims the placenta's position at an early ultrasound can predict the baby's sex. This method is not scientifically validated and is not considered reliable.
Does placenta position affect the baby's position?
The placenta's position can to some degree influence how your baby lies in the uterus, but many other factors are also involved. Most babies settle head-down regardless of placenta position. If your baby is in breech position, turning is considered independently of placenta position.
Can I do anything about my placenta's position?
No. The placenta's position is determined early in pregnancy when the fertilised egg implants in the uterine wall. There is nothing you can do to change it, and nor is there any need to.
Will my next pregnancy be the same?
Placenta position varies from pregnancy to pregnancy. Having an anterior placenta now does not mean it will be the same next time.
Read more
- Anterior placenta: Baby kicks and fetal movement
- Placenta previa (low-lying placenta)
- Amniotic fluid levels: Too little or too much
- Prenatal diagnostics and genetic testing
- Follow your pregnancy week by week
- Due date calculator