What position is recommended for a late-term pregnant patient who feels dizzy?

What position is recommended for a late-term pregnant patient who feels dizzy?

• A. Supine with legs elevated
• B. Left lateral side with right hip elevated 15°
• C. Standing upright
• D. Prone with support

Answer: (B)

When a late-term pregnant patient feels dizzy, the priority is to relieve the pressure the uterus can put on major blood vessels and improve venous return to the heart. Lying on the back can compress the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow to both mother and fetus and causing dizziness or faintness. Placing the patient on the left side helps shift the uterus off those vessels, and adding a slight tilt by elevating the right hip about 15 degrees enhances this effect without turning her completely onto her back. This left lateral tilt improves venous return, stabilizing blood pressure and reducing dizziness. Standing upright or lying prone doesn’t relieve the compression and can worsen symptoms, so this left-side position with a small right-hip elevation is the safer, more effective choice.

When a late-term pregnant patient feels dizzy, the priority is to relieve the pressure the uterus can put on major blood vessels and improve venous return to the heart. Lying on the back can compress the inferior vena cava, reducing blood flow to both mother and fetus and causing dizziness or faintness. Placing the patient on the left side helps shift the uterus off those vessels, and adding a slight tilt by elevating the right hip about 15 degrees enhances this effect without turning her completely onto her back. This left lateral tilt improves venous return, stabilizing blood pressure and reducing dizziness. Standing upright or lying prone doesn’t relieve the compression and can worsen symptoms, so this left-side position with a small right-hip elevation is the safer, more effective choice.