In pregnant trauma, which measure helps reduce aortocaval compression?

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Multiple Choice

In pregnant trauma, which measure helps reduce aortocaval compression?

In late pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and aorta when the mother lies flat, reducing venous return to the heart and compromising both maternal and fetal perfusion. Placing the patient in a left lateral tilt moves the uterus off these vessels, improving venous return, stabilizing blood pressure, and enhancing placental blood flow. This is usually done by tilting about 15 degrees or placing a wedge under the right hip to achieve a left-sided position. Supine with no tilt keeps the compression active, and a right lateral tilt doesn’t effectively relieve it and can worsen it. Trendelenburg (head-down) position also increases venous pooling in the lower body and can worsen aortocaval compression, hindering both maternal and fetal status.

In late pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and aorta when the mother lies flat, reducing venous return to the heart and compromising both maternal and fetal perfusion. Placing the patient in a left lateral tilt moves the uterus off these vessels, improving venous return, stabilizing blood pressure, and enhancing placental blood flow. This is usually done by tilting about 15 degrees or placing a wedge under the right hip to achieve a left-sided position.

Supine with no tilt keeps the compression active, and a right lateral tilt doesn’t effectively relieve it and can worsen it. Trendelenburg (head-down) position also increases venous pooling in the lower body and can worsen aortocaval compression, hindering both maternal and fetal status.

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