What is an anterior placenta? Does it pose a risk to the child?

The placenta is an organ that is formed during pregnancy. They are formed by the endometrium along with the outer layer of cells surrounding the embryo (chorionic villi). It performs very important functions: it allows gas exchange between the blood of mother and baby, provides essential nutrients and antibodies, removes unnecessary metabolic products, and produces hormones (including estrogen, progesterone and chorionic gonadotropin). Sometimes complications are observed on the part of this organ, which pose a threat to pregnancy. One of them is the placenta previa. 

What is an anterior placenta?

Placenta previa is a situation in which there has been an abnormal placement of the placenta in the uterus. Under normal conditions, it should be located on the wall of this organ. However, it sometimes takes place (completely or partially) in the lower part of the uterus – in the area of the internal cervical outlet. An anterior placenta affects approx. 1% of all pregnancies.

Due to the location, a distinction is made:

• Centrally anterior placenta – the placenta completely covers the inner outlet of the cervix;
• Partially anterior placenta – only part of the inner cervical outlet is covered;
• marginal placenta anterior – the placenta is connected to the cervical outlet only by the edge;
• Lateral placenta prolapsus – the placenta is positioned low, but does not meet the internal outlet of the cervix.

Causes of placenta previa

The specific cause of the placenta prostrata could not be determined. Instead, the factors that increase the risk of this complication are known. Among them are listed:

• multifetal pregnancy,
• A pregnancy complicated by malformations of the child,
• The occurrence of an anterior placenta in a previous pregnancy,
• Undergoing a uterine curettage procedure,
• Termination of previous pregnancies by cesarean section,
• smoking cigarettes.

It is also believed that the chances of placenta previa are higher in women who have had several pregnancies. This is associated with changes in the endometrium where previous placentas have implanted. They prevent the organ from growing again in the same place.

Precursor placenta – symptoms

Symptoms of placenta previa most often appear around. 32-34. One week of pregnancy. The first is bleeding from the genital tract. It is not very abundant and painless. Unpleasant discomfort (pain, significant blood loss) is only accompanied by subsequent bleeding.

Management of placenta previa

A woman who observes symptoms of placenta previa in herself should immediately see a doctor. This abnormality can be detected by ultrasound examination. Transvaginal and internal examinations are not advisable.

The management of placenta previa depends on several factors – especially the age of the pregnancy and the severity of the symptoms. When the child is not yet capable of independent survival, conservative treatment is recommended. The pregnant woman should lead a frugal lifestyle, give up work, lie down and remain under close medical observation. Sometimes hospitalization and medication are required. A carried pregnancy most often ends with a cesarean section.