Is there a correlation between anterior placenta bigger belly? What is the possibility of gaining a bigger baby bump due to the position of the placenta? Is this a game-changer during the pregnancy?
Fortunately, the answer is “No” with regard to any major changes during the pregnancy. Also, its effect on size is more visual than well, actual size.
We’ll look at what exactly this condition is. You’ll also find out whether or not there is a connection between anterior placenta bigger belly. We’ll also discuss what causes this occurrence and most importantly, any effects throughout pregnancy.
What exactly is Anterior Placenta?
If you go for an ultrasound and you’re told that placenta is in the anterior. That means it’s located in front of the baby. In other words, the placenta implanted on the uterine wall that flanks the wall of your abdomen.
So picture a side view of your middle. In the order from front to back, you would see the abdominal wall, the uterine wall, the placenta, and then the baby.
Does Anterior Placenta Bigger Belly Look Very Different?
When you get those remarks that you look like you’re carrying a basketball in there, chances are you have an anterior placenta bigger belly. Honestly, you don’t need to search for a larger size of maternity blouses. The placenta’s location and shape cause your stomach to look much rounder than otherwise.
On the other hand, if your baby was located in front of the placenta, your stomach might appear more flat. However, the baby’s movement would be quite obvious in the third trimester because of the lumps and bumps of little hands and feet.
What causes Anterior Placenta?
There are no specific causes associated with anterior placenta bigger belly. For whatever reason, the placenta is just as likely to attach to the front of the uterus as the back. Nonetheless, during pregnancy, the placenta can end up shifting a bit.
Check out this video that shows different positions of the placenta in relation to the baby and the uterine walls. It’s quite enlightening.
Are there any effects?
For the most part, you can still expect a fairly calm, normal pregnancy. You need not worry about the placenta being located right in front because the uterine walls and layers of abdominal muscle and fat serve well to protect it.
Also, the placenta is not affected by mild pressure on the abdomen. Nevertheless, you should definitely avoid taking a blow to the middle at any time during your pregnancy.
Other effects include:
- Feeling the baby’s kicking in the upper abdomen rather than in the lower
- Difficulty in locating the heartbeat for obstetrician
- As mentioned before, a more round-looking baby bump
- Inability to draw a belly map your baby bump because the placenta adds extra padding that gets in the way of palpating
Most importantly, the baby is ok and still has adequate room. Basically, the placenta’s position should not have much effect, if any at all.
Does this cause complications?
Once in a great while, a placenta that’s located toward the front might pose an obstacle if an emergency caesarean section is needed. If it’s located too low in the uterus, then there’s a higher risk of bleeding excessively during the procedure.
However, you can rest assured that your doctor would use an ultrasound scan for guidance and to avoid making an incision at the location of the placenta. Better yet, during the final trimester, you will be closely monitored if something out of the ordinary is detected in previous ultrasound scans.
Also, you would need to remember that the placenta tends to shift as the uterus expands during the last trimester. So there’s little chance the placenta would stay in the lower quadrant, especially with the movement of the baby.
Conclusion
So while you might notice a slightly rounder belly, the placenta plays a minor role in the actual size of your middle. The shape gives the optical illusion.
Also, this positioning, for the most part, does not cause any complications. The chances are very slight, but if you notice any other symptoms or discomfort that seem abnormal to you, then consider the following:
- Getting some extra rest to alleviate stress
- Contact your practitioner with any questions or concerns
- Keep track of your baby’s movement
More than likely, you’re experiencing a normal pregnancy and have a joyous day to look forward to when you and your family finally get to meet your little one.
Do you have any comments or questions to share with us? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We look forward to hearing from you.
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