When I was 18 weeks along with my twins, my OB asked during a routine check-up, “Are you feeling any movement from the babies yet?” I felt a wave of disappointment wash over me as I answered, “Not at all.” This was my second pregnancy, following a missed miscarriage earlier, and according to all the books and online resources I’d read, I should have been experiencing some sensations by now—especially since I had two little ones growing inside me.
At every appointment, I underwent an ultrasound, resulting in over 60 images by the time I reached the end of my pregnancy. Each scan showed my babies happily moving around, which provided temporary reassurance, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of missing out on the magical experience of feeling them kick. Each week passed with me battling severe heartburn, extreme nausea, and overwhelming fatigue, but no signs of life from my belly.
I found myself wondering why I wasn’t feeling anything while other mothers spoke of flutters in their first trimester. Then, at 25 weeks, a new ultrasound technician casually asked if I had felt any movement. When I responded with my usual “Not really,” she smiled and explained, “Has anyone mentioned that Baby B has an anterior placenta?”
Confused, I listened as she clarified, “Baby A is nearer to your cervix, but Baby B is positioned in front of her, and her placenta is anterior. Essentially, it’s acting as a cushion, which might be why you aren’t feeling as much.” In that moment, a weight lifted from my shoulders—I finally had an explanation that didn’t involve any threats to my health or the babies’ well-being. That week, I even began to feel tiny movements from them.
What is an Anterior Placenta?
After doing some research and speaking to a different OB, I discovered that an anterior placenta is quite common. Typically, a fertilized egg attaches to the back of the uterus, leading to a posterior placenta. In some cases, however, the egg implants at the front, resulting in an anterior placenta, which can muffle the mother’s ability to sense movements from the baby or babies. It’s important to note that any decrease in fetal movement should be reported to an OB by 24 weeks, regardless of the placenta’s position.
Take the case of Sarah, a mom of four, who experienced an anterior placenta in her latest pregnancy. After feeling movement as early as 14 weeks in her previous pregnancies, she was concerned when she didn’t feel anything at 18 weeks. “I was terrified I’d face another loss at my next appointment,” she shared. Thankfully, a technician informed her about the anterior placenta during an anatomy scan, calming her fears.
The Importance of Communication
One troubling aspect of having an anterior placenta is that some healthcare providers don’t always take the concern seriously. While it’s a common occurrence for doctors, it can cause significant anxiety for expectant mothers. A simple conversation could alleviate those worries.
Even at 35 weeks, there were long stretches where I didn’t feel my daughter move at all. I made sure to communicate every time with my OB, which is why I have so many ultrasound photos. As my son, Baby A, grew, I could feel his movements more distinctly, but Baby B was tucked behind her placenta, making it nearly impossible to feel her.
Statistics and Challenges
Research suggests that up to 52% of pregnancies may involve an anterior placenta, which can present challenges beyond just reduced movement. It can complicate finding a heartbeat and identifying the baby’s position, and it has been linked to increased back pain and the likelihood of babies being born in a posterior position, which may lead to back labor. Understanding these details is vital for expectant mothers and can ease anxiety, especially when navigating pregnancy.
Resources for Expectant Mothers
For more insights about pregnancy and its nuances, check out this resource from March of Dimes, which offers amazing week-to-week guidance. Additionally, if you’re looking for more information about home insemination, visit our blog at Home Insemination Kit.
Conclusion
In summary, having an anterior placenta can lead to reduced fetal movement sensations, but it’s a common occurrence that shouldn’t necessarily cause alarm. Communication with healthcare providers is essential in addressing any concerns and ensuring both the mother’s and babies’ health and well-being.