In trauma care involving a pregnant patient, why is left lateral tilt recommended?

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Multiple Choice

In trauma care involving a pregnant patient, why is left lateral tilt recommended?

Relieving compression of the major vessels by the uterus is the key idea. In late pregnancy, when a patient lies flat, the gravid uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and even the aorta. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers cardiac output, which can compromise both the mother and the fetus. Placing the patient in a left lateral tilt shifts the uterus away from these vessels, improving venous return and cardiac output, and thereby enhancing placental perfusion. This position is typically a 15–30 degree tilt (or a wedge under the right hip) to achieve the shift. The other options don’t target this hemodynamic benefit, and there is indeed a real advantage to both maternal and fetal status from this maneuver.

Relieving compression of the major vessels by the uterus is the key idea. In late pregnancy, when a patient lies flat, the gravid uterus can press on the inferior vena cava and even the aorta. This reduces venous return to the heart and lowers cardiac output, which can compromise both the mother and the fetus. Placing the patient in a left lateral tilt shifts the uterus away from these vessels, improving venous return and cardiac output, and thereby enhancing placental perfusion. This position is typically a 15–30 degree tilt (or a wedge under the right hip) to achieve the shift. The other options don’t target this hemodynamic benefit, and there is indeed a real advantage to both maternal and fetal status from this maneuver.

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