Posterior Placenta in Pregnancy: Meaning, Benefits, & What to Expect

Posterior Placenta in Pregnancy —
What It Means, Benefits, and What to
Expect
During pregnancy, your body creates an amazing organ called the placenta, which provides
oxygen, nutrients, and protection to your growing baby. One important detail often revealed
during your 18–20 week anatomy scan is where the placenta is located inside your uterus. If
you've been told you have a posterior placenta, this guide will help you understand what it
means, why it's often considered favorable, and what to expect.
What Is a Posterior Placenta?
The term posterior placenta refers to when the placenta attaches to the back wall of the
uterus, closer to the mother’s spine. This position is one of the most common and medically
preferred placental locations.
Healthcare providers often describe the placenta’s position using the terms:
● Anterior: Front wall of the uterus

● Posterior: Back wall of the uterus
● Fundal: Top of the uterus
● Lateral: Right or left side of the uterus
● Low-lying: Near the cervix (may require monitoring)
Is a Posterior Placenta Normal?
Yes. A posterior placenta is completely normal and generally does not pose any health risks.
In fact, many obstetricians consider this to be an ideal placement, as it often allows for easier
ultrasounds and a lower chance of complications during delivery.
Benefits of a Posterior Placenta
Here are some key advantages of having a posterior placenta:
1. Early Sensation of Baby Movements

With the placenta located at the back, there’s less cushioning between the baby and your
abdominal wall. This means that you may feel fetal movements earlier, often around 16–18
weeks, compared to 20–24 weeks with an anterior placenta.
2. Better Ultrasound Visibility
Sonographers often get clearer views of the fetus when the placenta is posterior, making it
easier to detect anatomy and monitor growth.
3. Easier Labor Positioning
The posterior placenta does not obstruct the cervix or birth canal, which may support a
smoother vaginal delivery. In contrast, some other positions—like placenta previa—can
interfere with delivery and may require a C-section.
4. Fewer Positioning Complications
A posterior placenta rarely affects the baby's ability to get into the optimal head-down position
for birth.
Posterior Placenta vs. Anterior Placenta
To better understand the difference between placental locations, consider the following
comparison:
Feature
Posterior
Placenta
Anterior Placenta
Location
Back of the uterus
Front of the uterus
Baby kicks
Felt earlier
Felt later
Ultrasound view
Clearer
Sometimes obscured
Labor impact
Less interference
May affect fetal position

Does Placenta Position Change Over Time?
Yes, especially in early pregnancy. As your uterus grows, the placenta may appear to "move" or
migrate upward. This doesn’t mean the placenta is detaching—just that its relative position
shifts as your uterus expands.
In most cases, a posterior placenta stays posterior or moves higher toward the top of the
uterus (fundal). It rarely becomes anterior or low-lying after mid-pregnancy.
Are There Risks with a Posterior Placenta?
A posterior placenta is usually safe. However, like all pregnancies, there are some signs that
require medical attention—regardless of placental position:
● Vaginal bleeding
● Sudden drop in fetal movement
● Severe cramping
● Abnormal placental thickness
● Placental abruption (rare, but possible in any position)
Always consult your doctor or midwife if you notice anything unusual.
How Does a Posterior Placenta Affect Baby’s Development?
There is no evidence that placental position impacts fetal growth, as long as the placenta is
functioning normally and receiving proper blood flow. What matters most is that your placenta is
healthy and well-placed—posterior meets both criteria in most cases.
Can I Sleep on My Back with a Posterior Placenta?
Even with a posterior placenta, it’s recommended that you sleep on your side (preferably the
left) during the second and third trimesters. This position promotes optimal blood flow to your
baby and reduces pressure on major veins.

Posterior Placenta and Labor: What to Expect
Having a posterior placenta typically supports a more favorable labor experience. It does not
interfere with the baby’s descent into the birth canal, and most people with posterior placentas
have uncomplicated vaginal deliveries.
You may still require a C-section for unrelated reasons, but the placenta’s location usually won’t
be the cause.
Common Myths: Gender Prediction & Posterior Placenta
You may have heard that placental position predicts the baby’s sex. Some old wives' tales claim
that a posterior placenta means a boy, while an anterior means a girl. However, there is no
scientific evidence supporting this. Placenta location has no correlation with the baby’s
gender.
Final Thoughts:
If you’ve been told you have a posterior placenta, take comfort in knowing it’s a common and
beneficial placental position. It typically causes no problems and can even enhance your
pregnancy experience—like helping you feel those precious baby kicks earlier.
Staying informed about your placenta, baby’s development, and overall pregnancy health is one
of the best things you can do. And remember, your care team is there to support you every step
of the way.