Supine Hypotensive Syndrome is mitigated by placing the mother in which position?

• A. Left Lateral
• B. Right Lateral
• C. Supine
• D. Prone

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that lying on the back during late pregnancy can press the uterus against the inferior vena cava, reducing return of blood to the heart. That drop in venous return lowers cardiac output and placental perfusion, causing symptoms of supine hypotensive syndrome. Placing the mother on her left side shifts the uterus off the IVC, restoring venous return and increasing both maternal cardiac output and uteroplacental blood flow. The left side is preferred because it most effectively relieves the vascular compression; the other positions either don’t relieve it as well or worsen the situation.