Left lateral decubitus is recommended to optimize uteroplacental blood flow in late pregnancy.

• A. Left lateral decubitus
• B. Supine
• C. Prone
• D. Standing

Answer: (A)

In late pregnancy, the growing uterus can press on the inferior vena cava when a patient lies on her back, reducing venous return to the heart and lowering uteroplacental blood flow. Placing the mother on the left side shifts the uterus away from the vessels, relieving that compression, improving preload and cardiac output, and increasing blood flow to the uterus and placenta. That extra placental perfusion helps deliver oxygen to the fetus.

That’s why the left lateral decubitus position is the best choice. Lying supine keeps the compression and can cause drop in maternal blood pressure and reduced fetal perfusion. Prone isn’t practical or helpful and can impair breathing, while standing reduces venous return due to gravity and offers no relief of the vascular compression.