How should a pregnant woman experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome be positioned?

When addressing a pregnant woman experiencing supine hypotensive syndrome, positioning her on the left side is the most effective and appropriate response. This syndrome typically occurs when the weight of the uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when the woman is lying flat on her back. This can lead to reduced venous return to the heart and a subsequent drop in blood pressure, causing feelings of dizziness or faintness.

Lying on the left side helps alleviate pressure on the vena cava, allowing for improved blood flow back to the heart and enhancing circulation to both the mother and the fetus. The left lateral position is clinically recommended for pregnant women particularly in the third trimester, as it promotes optimal fetal perfusion and maternal blood flow.

Choosing other positions, such as lying on the back, would exacerbate the situation by continuing the compression of the vena cava. Although lying on the right side may offer some relief by shifting pressure, it is not as effective as the left side. Sitting up can also relieve some symptoms, but it may not provide as significant improvement in blood flow as the left lateral position. Therefore, the left side is the preferred position for addressing and mitigating the effects of supine hypotensive syndrome.