The whole experience of being pregnant can be exciting, and at times, it is ridden with uncertainty. You may encounter medical jargon and various conditions, one of which is the position of the placenta, particularly an anterior placenta.
Such terminology may sound even concerning, but a little understanding goes a long way to bring clarity and peace. In this post, we are going to understand more about the positioning of the placenta and its benefits.
What Is an Anterior or Ventral Placenta?
To appreciate the potential advantages, it is important to understand what a ventral placenta means. The placenta is an organ that forms during pregnancy, serving to offer oxygen and nutrients and to take waste products away from the growing fetus.
The location of the placenta inside the uterus may vary and is generally classified as anterior/ventral (front wall), posterior (back wall), fundal (upper), or lateral (side).
A ventral placenta means that the placenta is attached to the front wall of the uterus, which is usually nearer to the belly rather than the spine. This is common and usually considered a normal variant rather than a complication.
Potential Benefits of Having a Ventral Placenta
Though rarely discussed, there are a few advantages of having a ventral placenta. The perks might not vastly change your experience of pregnancy, but they can provide some degree of comfort:
1. Natural Shield Against External Trauma
One of the commendable things about the ventral position is that it offers some amount of cushioning. A ventral placenta forms a protective barrier between the baby and the external world. The cushioning helps the baby avoid any sudden jerks that might hamper its development inside the placenta.
2. Less Sensitivity to Fetal Movements (In Cases of Early Pregnancy)
Reduced sensation of fetal movement may sound undesirable, but to some, it is a plus for those particularly anxious or sensitive to sensations during pregnancy. The ventral placenta provides a cushioning effect that makes your pregnancy a pleasant experience.
3. Lower Chances of Back Labor
Though this may not be universally applicable, some anecdotal reports are indicating an association of the ventral placenta with decreased chances of back labor.
Back labor is obviously more painful because it is caused by the baby pressing its spine onto the mother. The ventral placenta helps the baby position itself in a way that optimally creates a space between its spine and the mother’s spine.
Ultimately, it helps prevent the mother’s spine from pressing against the baby’s spine, which is known to cause back pain during labor.
Potential Risks of The Condition
In general terms, the ventral placenta is not one of those high-risk conditions, yet it is still wise to keep track of its position as the pregnancy advances.
In rare cases, if the ventral placenta is positioned too low, it can lead to anterior-placenta previa, obstructing the cervix and requiring delivery through Cesarean section. Regular ultrasounds are needed to detect such conditions for proactive management.
Final Thoughts
A ventral placenta cannot deliver any significant advantages to pregnant women. However, it is a completely normal condition. Moreover, it is also a non-threatening variation of placental placement.
The advantages are mild; however, for some women, it adds a little cushioning effect against external trauma. The ventral placenta is helpful in diminishing your risk for back labor.
