Understanding Your Placenta & Cord Placement During Pregnancy

Question
hi i went for my 20 week ultrasound, baby was growing fine however it says this on my report:
The placenta was anterfundally sited and well clear of the internal os.
The cord appears to insert at the margin of the placenta with some vessels then coursing along the surface of the placenta which then appeared to insert into the placenta more centrally.
What does this mean? could it harm my baby? Does it affect my labour? Thank you

Answer
Lilian,

This means that the placenta is located in an anterior position, or attached to the front side of your uterus rather than toward your back, and is well clear of your cervix, so no placenta previa is noted.

That is completely normal and great news.  

The next part states that the umbilical cord is inserted into the outer side of the placenta with some blood vessels on top that are located in the center of the placenta.

So, nothing reported gives any immediate cause for alarm.  Typically, the umbilical cord inserts closer to the center of the placenta, but it sounds like this is just a variation of normal.

No mention of a two vessel cord or any such abnormalities was made.  Given this information, I don't see a reason any potential harm for you or your baby.


Best,
Catherine