In what position should EMTs transport a pregnant woman?

In what position should EMTs transport a pregnant woman?

• A. Left-Lateral Recumbent
• B. Supine
• C. Right-Lateral Recumbent
• D. Knee-Chest

Answer: (A)

In late-pregnancy, lying flat can press the uterus against the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart and decreasing blood flow to the placenta. That can lead to maternal hypotension and fetal hypoxia. Placing the mother in the left-lateral recumbent position relieves that pressure by shifting the uterus off the major vessels, improving return of blood to the heart and delivering more oxygen to both mother and baby during transport. That’s why it’s the best choice for EMTs transporting a pregnant woman. If she can’t tolerate lying flat, a left-side tilt or keeping the left side down helps achieve the same effect. The supine position worsens aortocaval compression, the right-side position offers less relief than the left, and knee-chest isn’t appropriate for routine transport.

In late-pregnancy, lying flat can press the uterus against the inferior vena cava, reducing venous return to the heart and decreasing blood flow to the placenta. That can lead to maternal hypotension and fetal hypoxia. Placing the mother in the left-lateral recumbent position relieves that pressure by shifting the uterus off the major vessels, improving return of blood to the heart and delivering more oxygen to both mother and baby during transport. That’s why it’s the best choice for EMTs transporting a pregnant woman. If she can’t tolerate lying flat, a left-side tilt or keeping the left side down helps achieve the same effect. The supine position worsens aortocaval compression, the right-side position offers less relief than the left, and knee-chest isn’t appropriate for routine transport.