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Anterior placenta

by Christine Hill

question
I'm pregnant for the first time and after my 22-week scan I was told that my placenta is anterior and low lying. A few weeks later, after a check up with my midwife, I was told that my baby is in transverse position.

What are the chances of the baby turning and the placenta moving up? Are there positions I can sit/sleep in that will help the baby and placenta to move? I don't mind having a C-section, but I would like to know if there is anything I can do to increase the possibility of a normal labour.

answer

Most placentas are sited at the top of the uterus, on the back wall. Anterior and low lying means that yours is on the front wall and down near the cervix. It is quite usual for a first baby not to turn its head down until around 34 weeks. However, it may be that your baby is in a transverse position because the placenta is in the way, and therefore not allowing enough room to turn.

There is absolutely nothing you can do to alter the position of the placenta, although it might 'move' upwards as your uterus gets bigger. I would still prepare yourself mentally for a C-section.
If circumstances change and you manage a normal delivery you will be pleasantly surprised.

Incidentally, I'm sure your midwife has mentioned this, but if you start to bleed at any stage, go straight into hospital.

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