Anterior Placenta
by Donna Harvel Balo ARNP, CNM, MS

Q. At my doctor's appointment, they had a hard time finding the heartbeat. It took forever and they weren't sure if it was actually the baby's. So, they did an ultrasound to make sure all was well. The baby was fine, but they said the placenta was right in front. Is having an anterior placenta a problem? I've heard that it can take longer to feel movement, but other than that, is it cause for concern?

A. An anterior placenta is when the placenta attaches to the uterus on the abdomen side of the uterus rather than the side nearer your back.

You will usually hear the swooshing sounds of the placenta when they are listening for the baby's heart beat so it may be harder to find the heart beat. It is also common for moms not to feel as much or any movement too because baby's movement has to go through the placenta to her abdomen to be felt.

It is just a variation of normal implantation and nothing to be concerned about.

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