Placenta location/baby movement

[samsmamma]

I recall a couple of people posting that they weren;t necessarily feeling strong kicks because of where their placentas are located. How do you know where your placenta is? Just curious. I've definitely been feeling more kicks every day but they are still so gentle, so I figured I'd just ask!

[PicnicBear]

Good question -- I want to know this, too. Since I feel a lot of kicks way way down low, does that mean my placenta is not there (which would be good), though I realize the placenta moves throughout pregnancy (right?). And does the US show where the placenta is?

[BensMom]

From what I understand, your placenta usually attaches high and in the back. But occasionally it will be lower and anterior (or in the front). This can be detected on an u/s or something a MW can hear with a fetoscope (blood going through the placenta).

As we get further along, I think the attendant can palpate to feel for the placenta.

If the placenta is in the front, you might not feel kicks as much because the baby would be kicking the placenta, not the uterine wall.

I think as the uterus grows, it can take the placenta with it. Its not so much that the placenta creeps along the uterine wall, but the wall grows, so that the relative positioning of the placenta changes. Does that make any sense?

[Awaken]

Thanks, that's helpful. When I had my u/s this week, she said the placenta was anterior- so that means in the front, right- and I'm not feeling a whole lot of kicking. So that would really explain things!

[*Amy*]

Yep, anterior is front; posterior is back. In my ultrasound yesterday, we found that the placenta is posterior. I was relieved; I had this weird fear of placenta previa.

[SoggyGranolaMomma]

I know where mine is because of the u/s. Mine is implanted in the top wall of my uterus. Which is why I don't feel as much movement up high.

[AmyGirl28]

I haven't had my u/s yet... it's on Thursday 7/14. I don't feel much kicking, it is really light. I can't wait for the u/s to make sure everything is okay. I hope I don't have placenta previa or anything.