Pregnancy with twins, placenta on the anterior wall. What does placenta previa on the anterior wall of the uterus mean and what does it affect? Who is susceptible to this pathology?

As you know, the placenta is a special organ that is formed only during pregnancy and is the connecting link between mother and fetus. The placenta performs many functions to ensure the life of the unborn baby, such as cleansing the baby’s blood, nutrition, removal of waste and toxins, uninterrupted supply of oxygen to the baby. Also, it protects the fetus from infections.

The placenta is tightly attached to the wall of the uterus, it has a developed vascular system; two arteries and veins go from the placenta along the umbilical cord to the baby, supplying the baby’s body with nutrition and oxygen.

Very often we do not think about how the placenta should be located, and yet there are many options for its location in the uterus. During an ultrasound scan in the second trimester of pregnancy, the doctor must write down the results of the study, and in one of the points on the study results form the doctor will write down data on the location of the placenta.

How should the placenta be normally located?

The ideal location for the placenta is considered to be along the posterior wall of the uterus. This is the classic, familiar location of the placenta. Why? To answer this question, we must delve a little deeper into matters of anatomy.

The non-pregnant uterus is located in a woman's lower abdomen, just behind the bladder. As the pregnant uterus grows, it moves forward and the bladder becomes behind the growing uterus. Continuing to grow, the uterus protrudes forward and is located in the middle of the woman’s abdomen. In appearance, it begins to resemble a bag, with a convex and stretchable front side, and a dense, smaller back side. A growing child greatly stretches the front side of the uterus, while the back side remains less mobile and grows and stretches more slowly than the front.

From this it is worth concluding that for the placenta, which, unlike the uterus, is not an easily distensible organ, the best location option would be attachment to the posterior wall of the uterus.

Here are some advantages of placing the placenta on the posterior wall:

1. Ensuring immobility. The posterior wall of the uterus is not very extensible; it is denser and thicker than the anterior wall. When the uterus contracts, the placenta will not experience stress and there will be no risk of placental abruption.

2. Less trauma. The baby, moving and pushing in the uterus, will not touch the placenta as much as if it had a different location.

3. Less risk of placental abruption. Premature placental abruption occurs more often with anterior attachment.

4. Less risk of placenta accreta and true placenta accreta. Statistics show that in the case of a cesarean section during a previous birth, the placenta, if attached to the anterior wall of the uterus, can become attached to scar tissue, which creates a risk of placenta accreta.

5. Less risk of placenta previa.

The placenta may not only be located on the posterior wall of the uterus, although this option is ideal. It also happens that the placenta has a lateral location - on the right or left side of the uterus, or on the back side with entry to the left or right side.

And it happens that the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus. This arrangement is not considered a pathology, and is not considered dangerous either for the mother or the child. However, this placement of the placenta may have its risks, and you need to be aware of this.

Risks of anterior placentation

1. Risk of placental abruption. Why? Let's look at anatomy again. Above we talked about why the location of the placenta along the posterior wall is the most preferable for the mother and fetus. As we already know, the anterior wall of the uterus is more extensible and thinner than the posterior wall. A growing child puts pressure on the front wall of the uterus, and also pushes intensely. The longer the pregnancy, the more susceptible the uterus is to external influences.

When the baby moves, or when a woman strokes the abdomen, training contractions of the uterus - Braxton-Higgs contractions - may occur. These contractions are not dangerous for either the mother or the unborn baby, however, if the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus, in some cases there may be a risk of placental abruption. As the uterus contracts, it decreases in size, but what about the placenta? If the placenta is well attached, there are no scars or other pathological changes on the uterus, then everything should be fine.

2. Risk of placenta previa. Anatomy also plays a role here. If the placenta is located along the posterior wall, then as the uterus grows and as the placenta itself develops, the placenta always moves upward. This is how nature intended it to reduce the risk of placenta previa and, as a consequence, bleeding. However, if the placenta is located in the front, then certain problems may arise here.

If the embryo was not initially attached very low in the uterus, then the placenta will grow high, or at a normal distance from the cervix. But if for some reason the embryo is too attached to the exit of the uterus, then the placenta growing on the front wall will not grow upward, but will move down as it grows, closer and closer to the cervix. This is dangerous due to partial placenta previa, or complete placenta previa, when the placenta completely covers the internal os, making natural childbirth impossible and increasing the risk of premature placental abruption and dangerous bleeding.

3. Risk of tight attachment and true placenta accreta. This type of pregnancy pathology is rare, but it should not be forgotten by those who have undergone cesarean sections and other surgical interventions on the uterus in the past. Tight attachment and true placenta accreta can occur in those who have had any internal damage to the uterus, for example: abortions with curettage, cesarean sections, manual separation of the placenta and, as a result, damage to the inner surface of the uterus, as well as perforation and uterine rupture , which is extremely rare.

The scars formed in the uterus after such actions interfere with the normal attachment of the placenta. However, placenta accreta in such cases can only occur under the influence of certain factors and a combination of factors:

- insolvent or improperly healed scar in the uterus;

- low attachment of the placenta;

— a prerequisite is the location of the placenta along the anterior wall.

When these three factors are met, the risk of placenta accreta or true placenta accreta increases significantly.

However, we want to tell all expectant mothers: do not be upset if you find out that your placenta is not attached to the uterus quite as it should be. The location of the placenta on the side or in front is not a pathology, and for this to become a danger, certain conditions must be met. You can give birth with the placenta on the anterior wall and most mothers manage to carry the pregnancy to term quite calmly and then give birth naturally without any complications.

Be attentive to your health, see your doctor, and everything will be fine. Good luck with your pregnancy and happy birth!

The placenta is formed from the beginning of pregnancy and by 16 weeks it is already a fully functioning organ. The main function of the placenta is to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus, and it also removes waste products (waste and toxins) from its body. The normal functioning of the placenta is influenced by the place where it is attached. Thus, the ideal location of the placenta is the upper third of the posterior wall of the uterus. In our article we will look at the features of pregnancy if the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus.

Localization of the placenta along the anterior wall of the uterus

Attachment of the placenta along the anterior wall more often occurs in women who have previously had pregnancies. During pregnancy, the muscle fibers of the anterior wall of the uterus are stretched, which explains the possible risks with this location of the placenta. The lower segment of the uterus is especially stretched, so if the placenta is located high on the anterior wall of the uterus, then this does not cause much concern. When the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus, the expectant mother may begin to feel fetal movements later than with a posterior placenta, and they will also be much weaker. The exact location of the placenta can only be determined during the procedure.

What are the possible risks if the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus?

If the placenta is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus, the risk of the following complications increases:

So, we examined the peculiarities of pregnancy and childbirth in the case of the placenta being located on the anterior wall of the uterus, and also considered the possible risks. I would like to emphasize that an important condition for preventing possible complications is the timely completion of ultrasound and other recommended studies.

The placenta is an important organ that forms and develops only during pregnancy. The placenta is a kind of connecting element between mother and baby. Through this important organ, the child receives oxygen and nutrients. The baby receives antibodies, as well as hormones that are responsible for the preservation of pregnancy and the normal development of the unborn child.

The formation of the placenta begins a week after fertilization, and after birth, within half an hour it leaves the uterus, having completed all its functions.

Many pregnant women are interested in the correct location of this organ. Usually located or posterior, closer to the fundus of the uterus. This arrangement ensures the safety of this organ and the performance of its necessary function.

The location of the placenta depends on where the fertilized egg will attach after conception. Placentation can be determined through ultrasound.

The position of the placenta in the uterus can be as follows:

Placenta on the anterior wall;

Placenta on the posterior wall;

Placenta in the fundus of the uterus;

Placenta in the lateral wall area.

All of the above points are normal and do not pose any threat to both the mother and the fetus.

The placenta along the anterior wall can pose a threat only in case of surgical delivery (cesarean section). This is associated with an increased risk of possible bleeding. The placenta on the front wall of the uterus may be located exactly in the place where the doctor needs to make an incision to remove the baby.

If you are having a caesarean section and have anterior placentation, there is no need to worry in advance. Surgeons will definitely take all necessary measures to reduce the risk, and in case of bleeding they will be able to quickly stop it.

In some cases, abnormal (incorrect) attachment of the placenta is possible.

A low position of the placenta is a pathology in which the connecting organ between the mother and the fetus is located at a level of six centimeters or less from the internal cervical os. It does not matter where the placenta is located: on the front wall, on the side or on the back. The distance to the cervix plays a role. In most cases, it does not pose a threat, since with the growth of the abdomen it moves higher, to the bottom of the uterus.

Placenta previa is an arrangement in which the internal os is blocked (partially or completely). There are three types of presentation: marginal, lateral and complete.

In case of complete presentation, the mother undergoes a planned cesarean section at 38 weeks of pregnancy. If a marginal or lateral presentation is observed, the pregnant woman can give birth on her own if the doctor makes such a decision after examination. In this case, during spontaneous childbirth, opening of the amniotic sac at an early stage is indicated, as well as full readiness of the operating room in case of unforeseen circumstances.

If the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus, lateral or posterior, closer to the fundus of the uterus, then this is normal. Such a pregnant woman can carry and give birth to a child on her own. If you have a low position of the placenta or its presentation, you need constant monitoring and observation by your attending physician, who will be able to make an adequate decision on the issue of delivery.

The placenta is an organ that begins to develop after fertilization of the egg has occurred.

The placenta connects mothers and the fetus; it determines how the pregnancy period will proceed. This organ begins to develop from about 10 weeks of pregnancy, but final formation occurs by 16 weeks. Until this moment, the embryo feeds and develops with the help of the fetal membrane. The condition of the child directly depends on the placenta.

For the normal course of pregnancy, it is very important how it will be formed, as well as its functioning and location. As a rule, during the second trimester, the placenta is attached very high, the distance to the pharynx is about 5 centimeters. During the third trimester, the distance is 7 centimeters. The low location of the above organ is diagnosed when the distance to the pharynx is 3 centimeters.

Correct location

A good place in the uterus for the placenta to attach is the back wall. With the constant development of the child, the uterine muscles begin to stretch, but the distribution of this process begins unevenly. The front wall begins to stretch very well, but the back wall remains virtually unchanged. As a result, it turns out that the front wall becomes thin after some time, and the back wall remains the same as it was before the period of conception.

That is why it turns out that it is best when the placenta is attached to the back wall, the stress becomes minimal. Also, do not miss the fact that the fetus can attach to other parts of the uterus. A lateral position may also occur, this is the norm. As a rule, if the placenta is located on the anterior wall, one cannot speak with certainty about the deviation; of course, any other place would be much better. There are a number of positive factors for the placenta being on the posterior wall.

• Lack of mobility. Due to the fact that the back wall of the uterus does not stretch, it is denser and thicker. When the contraction of the above organ occurs, there will be no stress, and accordingly the possibility of placental abruption decreases.
• Minimal injury. When the fetus begins to move and rotate, the process of touching the placenta does not occur.
• Minimum likelihood of occurrence from puff pastry.

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If a pregnant woman has been diagnosed with anterior placenta localization, there is no need to immediately panic and stress yourself out, since there is nothing to worry about. As a rule, even with this diagnosis, a woman can give birth to a baby without complications. The only factor in the above diagnosis is constant monitoring by a leading physician.

What danger could there be?

As previously said, the muscles of the anterior wall have the ability to stretch, and this can cause damage to the placenta from stretch marks, and the functioning of this organ will not be the same as before. In certain situations, placental abruption can occur. Due to the constant growth and stretching of the uterine walls, there is a possibility of the anterior wall drooping down.

It is extremely rare, but it can still happen in second-bearing women that the above organ can descend so much that the cervix of the uterus is blocked, and this is dangerous because the baby’s path to the exit is blocked. If this situation occurs, then the pregnant woman must be operated on (cesarean section), since she will not be able to give birth herself. Also, if the placenta is along the anterior wall, the likelihood of labor starting ahead of schedule increases, and in the first two trimesters the possibility of miscarriage increases.

If the above diagnosis is made, then a pregnant woman may be diagnosed with gestosis, and the baby may be diagnosed with oxygen starvation. This occurs due to the fact that the baby begins to put pressure on the placenta and cuts off the oxygen itself.

Factors influencing the location of the placenta

In addition to the main reason - stretching of the uterine muscles, there are also certain factors that can affect the prolapse of the above organ. Experts identify several types of reasons.

1. Deformation of the internal walls of the uterus, which can be affected by any inflammatory process.
2. and either an infection.
3. Previously undergone surgical interventions, after which adhesions or small scars could form on the uterus.
4. Bearing multiple children.

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Also, one of the reasons may be the fact that the fetus attached to the wall at a time when it had already descended to the lower part. According to statistics, women who are giving birth more than once are at risk.

Classifications

According to statistics, placenta of the anterior wall in the third trimester of pregnant women occurs in approximately 3%. During the second trimester, the diagnosis is made after an ultrasound scan, it is discovered that the place where the fetus is located is quite low.

This occurs because the placenta moves as the uterus begins to grow, thereby moving the placenta upward. Two classifications of presentation of the above organ have been recorded, which are determined during the period of bearing a child, as well as in the initial stage of the birth process.

Presentation at the initial stage of labor when the cervix opens.

• Central.
• Regional.
• Lateral.

The result of an ultrasound examination can show the extent to which the placenta is located on the anterior wall.

1. First. The organ is localized in the lower part of the uterus at a distance of at least 3 centimeters from the pharynx.
2. Second. The above organ is localized near the pharynx, but does not cover it.
3. Third. The pharynx is completely covered by the lower part of the placenta, leaving a piece of the baby's place, which is located asymmetrically.
4. Fourth. The main part of the placenta completely covers the pharynx, the edges are all symmetrical.

Symptoms of manifestation. Diagnosis.

The expectant mother does not feel the moment when the placenta is attached to the front wall. That is why quite often it is not possible to make a diagnosis on time. In certain cases, a pregnant woman may experience bleeding from the vagina, which may be periodic. This symptom occurs in the first stages of pregnancy.

In cases where a woman is in the last trimester of pregnancy and she has bleeding, this is the main signal that the placenta is premature.

Features of the above diagnosis.

• The baby's heartbeat is remote, it is very difficult to listen to it, sometimes it is not possible at all.
• A pregnant woman's belly can be huge, which can cause stretch marks to appear.
• The baby's movements are felt weaker.