What is the difference between the anterior and posterior wall of the placenta?

Many pregnant women are often told by doctors about problems with the anterior and posterior walls of the placenta during prenatal checkups. This can make many first-time pregnant mothers very confused, not knowing what the problem is. In fact, the posterior wall of the placenta refers to the back or front side of the uterus. If there is placenta previa or low-lying placenta, as long as it is not too serious and you take good personal care, you don't need to worry too much about this problem.

Posterior wall of placenta

What does posterior placenta mean?

Generally speaking, the placenta is divided into four positions: anterior wall, posterior wall, left wall, and right wall. All four positions are normal. No matter whether the placenta is located on the anterior wall or posterior wall of the uterus, it will not affect the baby as long as it is not placenta previa or low-lying placenta. The placenta is located on the posterior wall of the uterus, which is the normal attachment position of the placenta, so pregnant mothers don’t need to worry. Posterior placenta means that the placenta is attached to the back wall of the uterus. It is farther away from the lower end of the uterus.

Under normal circumstances, the placenta is attached to the posterior wall, anterior wall or side wall of the uterine body. The most dangerous position of the placenta is below the lower segment. If the placenta is attached to the lower segment of the uterus, or even the lower edge of the placenta reaches or covers the internal os of the cervix, its position is lower than the presenting part of the fetus, which is called placenta previa. Placenta previa can cause heavy uterine bleeding in the later stage, which is very dangerous, so expectant mothers must have regular prenatal checkups to detect abnormalities in time.

Difference between the anterior and posterior wall of the placenta

The placenta attached to the anterior wall of the uterus means that the placenta is located on the anterior wall of the uterus. Both the anterior and posterior walls of the placenta are normal. However, if the placenta is located on the posterior wall, it is relatively safe. If the placenta is located on the anterior wall, it means that the placenta is closer to the cervical opening and can easily slip, leading to miscarriage or premature birth.

Therefore, mothers with anterior placenta need to be more careful throughout pregnancy, especially when having sex in the second trimester. The anterior and posterior walls of the uterus are both normal locations for the placenta to attach to the uterus. Most doctors think that the posterior wall of the placenta is better and relatively safe. Babies on the anterior wall of the placenta are easily injured and more likely to have miscarriage. However, pregnant mothers do not need to worry too much. Just avoid excessive exercise and make sure to rest.

What is the difference between the anterior placenta and the posterior placenta? You will know after reading this