Different Placenta Positions
- Beyond the Bump
- Jun 19, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 26
Pregnancy is full of surprises, and one of the most fascinating is discovering where your placenta has settled. It may seem like a small detail, but its position can influence when you feel those first kicks, how your baby grows, and sometimes even your birth plan. We’re Vicky & Melissa from Beyond the Bump, here to guide you through the facts, share trusted NHS- and NICE-based insights, and empower you to take control of your journey. Ready? Let’s get started.
Why Placenta Position Matters
Your placenta is your baby’s lifeline, delivering oxygen and nutrients while whisking away waste. Where it attaches can:
Muffle early movements if it’s between baby and your bump.
Affect quickening (when you first feel those kicks).
Influence monitoring—some positions make heartbeat checks simpler; others require a bit more patience.
Fancy a deeper dive? Download our free “Taking Control of Your Birth” video and start planning today!
1. Anterior Placenta
When your placenta attaches to the front wall of your womb, it’s known as an anterior placenta. Consider it a natural cushion between your baby and your bump—perfectly normal and usually nothing to worry about.
Delayed quickening: You might notice those first gentle flutters a little later than others.
Softer kicks: With the placenta absorbing some of the shock, you may not feel pronounced punches until around 20 weeks or so.
Tip: Keep a simple movement chart or diary—gently lie on one side, place your hands on your bump, and breathe deeply to tune in.
To learn coping strategies tailored to an anterior placenta and get ready for labour, join The Birth & Baby Academy for expert-led modules.
2. Posterior Placenta
A posterior placenta sits at the back of the womb, closest to your spine.
Strong, early kicks: You’ll likely feel movements sooner and more distinctly—ideal for bonding.
Straightforward monitoring: Heartbeat checks are often easier and quicker.
No special action needed here—just enjoy every wiggle!
3. Fundal Placenta
Positioned at the very top of the womb, the fundal placenta is often considered ‘textbook ideal’. It:
Encourages optimal blood flow.
Rarely interferes with your baby’s growth or your labour.
Simplifies clinical checks.
Continue with balanced nutrition and gentle activity—walking, pregnancy yoga, or swimming—to support good placental function.
4. Low‑Lying Placenta
When the placenta attaches low in the womb—sometimes brushing or covering the cervix—it’s called
low‑lying placenta, and in more pronounced cases, placenta praevia.
Often resolves: Up to 10% of women have a low‑lying placenta around 20 weeks, but most migrate upwards by 32–34 weeks, as noted in NHS scan guidelines.
Close monitoring: Your midwife or obstetrician will schedule follow‑up scans in the third trimester to check the position.
If you experience any painless bleeding, contact your maternity unit immediately. In the majority of cases, the placenta shifts away as the womb grows.
5. Marginal Placenta
A marginal placenta, sometimes called marginal placenta praevia, lies at the edge of the cervix.
Bleeding risk: There’s a slightly higher chance of bleeding late in pregnancy.
Management: Rest, modify activities as advised, and attend all ultrasound appointments.
If the placenta still overlaps the cervix near term, your care team may suggest a planned caesarean birth to ensure safety for you and baby.
Next Steps & Resources
You’ve explored the five main placenta positions and learned how each can shape your pregnancy experience. Remember:
Your body and baby are unique—knowledge is power. Stay informed, ask questions, and trust your instincts.
Ready to take the next step?
▶️ Join The Birth & Baby Academy for comprehensive courses, community support, and live coaching.
▶️ Download our free “Taking Control of Your Birth” video and plan with confidence.