Posterior Placenta: 5 Myths and Facts You Should Know

February 13, 2026

The placenta plays a vital role in pregnancy, acting as the lifeline between the mother and the developing baby. It provides oxygen and removes waste products, supporting growth throughout the pregnancy. Placenta position remains one area where most people remain confused. While placenta position can matter in certain situations, it does not always affect pregnancy outcomes. This article defines posterior placenta in pregnancy, clearing common misconceptions and presenting important facts every expectant woman should know.

What Does Placenta Previa Mean

What Does Placenta Previa Mean?

For better comprehension of pregnancy scan results, it is essential to understand what posterior placenta means. A posterior placenta is attached to the back wall of the uterus, closer to the mother’s spine. This condition is often diagnosed during ultrasound scans. It is mostly detected during pregnancies in the first or second trimester.

It is also regarded as a normal variation. Many healthy pregnancies progress smoothly with a posterior placenta, and in most cases, it does not interfere with fetal development or delivery.

Is Posterior High Placenta different?

The posterior high placenta means the placenta is attached high up on the back wall of the uterus. “High” simply refers to its position away from the cervix, toward the top of the uterus.

A posterior high placenta is generally considered reassuring. As the uterus enlarges during pregnancy, it may seem as if the placenta has moved to a higher position. A posterior placenta being in a high position does not usually indicate any concern.

This is different from a low-lying placenta or placenta praevia, where the placenta is close to or covering the cervix and may require closer monitoring. In contrast, a posterior high placenta is usually not problematic.

Posterior Placenta

Myth 1: Posterior placenta implies complications

Fact: Most posterior placentas are completely normal. Most women having babies with a posterior placenta have healthy pregnancies and face no additional risks. Placenta position does not predict problems.

Myth 2: Posterior placenta in pregnancy causes back pain

Fact: Back pain is a symptom of pregnancy related to changes in position and the gain in weight of the mother. There is no direct evidence related to the back pain of a posterior placenta.

Myth 3: You won’t feel baby movements with a posterior placenta

Fact: In a case where a woman has a posterior placenta, it is a fact that most women experience fetal movements earlier and even stronger than those experienced with an anterior placenta.

Myth 4 - Posterior Placenta affects labour or delivery

Fact: Posterior placentas, in general, do not affect labour or delivery type. Women are able to give vaginal delivery unless other medical issues are involved.

Myth 5: Posterior placenta needs special management

Fact: A posterior placenta alone does not require special treatment or intervention. Routine prenatal care and standard ultrasounds are usually sufficient.

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How Placenta Position Can Change

How Placenta Position Can Change

The placenta position is not set in early pregnancy. As the uterus grows, the placenta shifts upward. This is why the placenta appears low in early scans but high in the second or third trimester.

On ultrasound, the placenta is commonly found in one of several positions: anterior (front wall), posterior (back wall), fundal (top of the uterus), or lateral (side wall). These changes begin during early to mid-pregnancy and are part of normal uterine growth.

Does Posterior Placenta Affect Pregnancy & The Baby?

In most situations, the posterior position of the placenta does not affect the pregnancy or the health of the baby. Nutrients and oxygen are adequately provided to the fetus.

Additional monitoring may be recommended in case of a low-lying posterior placenta, posterior placenta with bleeding, or in conjunction with other pregnancy-related conditions in the mother, like hypertension or potential fetal growth restriction. Otherwise, posterior placenta in pregnancy is generally not a risk factor on its own.

When to Talk to Your Doctor?

When the placenta is in the posterior position, it’s considered benign in nature. However, you need to call your doctor if you notice:

Vaginal bleeding

● A low-lying placenta, also called placenta praevia

● Abnormal ultrasound findings

● Other complications associated with pregnancy

● Other pregnancy complications, such as high blood pressure or reduced fetal movements

This ensures that any issue is detected as early as possible through regular prenatal visits.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does it mean if my placenta is high?

It refers to the condition where the placenta is normally located toward the upper part of the uterus, away from the cervix.

2. Is a posterior high placenta normal?

Well, most posterior placentas do not result in complications and facilitate normal pregnancies.

3. Which placenta position is high risk?

A low-lying placenta or placenta praevia, especially when it covers the cervix, is considered high risk and requires closer monitoring.

4. What are the risks of a posterior placenta?

A posterior placenta is usually not risky and does not affect pregnancy unless it is low-lying or linked with other complications.

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