The placenta is formed from the onset of pregnancy and by 16 weeks already is a fully functioning organ. The main function of the placenta is the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the fetus that forms, and it also removes waste products (slags and toxins) from its body. The normal function of the placenta affects the location of its attachment. So, the ideal location of the placenta is the upper third of the posterior wall of the uterus. In our article, we will consider the features of the course of pregnancy, if there is a location of the placenta on the front wall of the uterus.
Localization of the placenta along the anterior wall of the uterus
Attaching the placenta to the front wall is more common in women who have previously had a pregnancy. During pregnancy, the muscle fibers of the predominantly anterior wall of the uterus stretch, and this explains the possible risks with this arrangement of the placenta. Especially stretched the lower segment of the uterus, so if the placenta is located high on the front wall of the uterus, then this does not cause strong fears. When the placenta is located on the front wall of the uterus, the future mother may feel later than with the posterior location of the placenta, and they will be much weaker. The exact location of the placenta can be established only during the ultrasound examination of the fetus .
What are the possible risks if the placenta is located on the front wall of the uterus?
If the placenta is attached to the anterior wall of the uterus, then the risk of the following complications increases:
- Intimate attachment of the placenta . The risk of dense placenta attachment is significantly increased if a woman underwent abortion and curettage, inflammatory endometrial diseases, and also a caesarean section. The likelihood of intimate attachment is high under the following conditions: the location of the placenta is low along the anterior wall of the uterus and the irregularly formed scar after the operation is a cesarean section. In the case of an intimate placenta increment, the physician conducts manual removal of the placenta under general anesthesia;
- Placenta previa on the front wall . If the placenta is attached low along the front wall, then the stretching of this part of the uterus will be disturbed. Thus, the growing placenta will descend to the internal pharynx of the uterus. If the distance from the inner throat to the edge of the placenta is less than 4 cm, then it is called presentation. Women diagnosed with placenta previa on the anterior wall should be delivered by cesarean section;
- Premature detachment of the normally located placenta . This complication is due to the fact that the anterior wall of the uterus is thinner and better stretched. When the placenta is located on the front wall, when the woman begins to feel the fetus, the uterus may contract. During such a fight, abruption of the placenta may occur. Placental abruption
can occur at a later date because of active movements of the fetus. This is a very formidable complication of pregnancy, which can lead to great blood loss. If untimely assistance is provided, the placental abruption can end fatal to the mother and fetus. Therefore, if a woman has found spotting from the genital tract, she should immediately go to the hospital.
So, we examined the peculiarities of the course of pregnancy and childbirth in case of the placenta location on the anterior wall of the uterus, and also considered possible risks. I want to emphasize that an important condition for preventing possible complications is the timely passage of ultrasound and other recommended studies.