What is the recommended transport position for a pregnant patient?

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Multiple Choice

What is the recommended transport position for a pregnant patient?

Relieve aortocaval compression to protect both mother and fetus. When a pregnant patient, especially later in gestation, lies flat, the enlarged uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and the aorta. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers uteroplacental blood flow, which can compromise both maternal circulation and fetal oxygenation. Lying on the left side moves the uterus off the major vessels, increasing venous return, improving cardiac output, and enhancing placental perfusion. That’s why the left lateral recumbent position is the best choice for transport. The other options don’t provide as complete relief from vessel compression. Supine with a left tilt still leaves some pressure on the vena cava, and right-side lying doesn’t optimize flow to the placenta. Prone with a pillow is not appropriate for a pregnant patient. Therefore, left side lying is the recommended position.

Relieve aortocaval compression to protect both mother and fetus. When a pregnant patient, especially later in gestation, lies flat, the enlarged uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and the aorta. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers uteroplacental blood flow, which can compromise both maternal circulation and fetal oxygenation. Lying on the left side moves the uterus off the major vessels, increasing venous return, improving cardiac output, and enhancing placental perfusion. That’s why the left lateral recumbent position is the best choice for transport.

The other options don’t provide as complete relief from vessel compression. Supine with a left tilt still leaves some pressure on the vena cava, and right-side lying doesn’t optimize flow to the placenta. Prone with a pillow is not appropriate for a pregnant patient. Therefore, left side lying is the recommended position.

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