During transport for a patient in late second or third trimester, what is the recommended position?

• A. Left lateral recumbent position
• B. Right lateral recumbent position
• C. Supine with legs elevated
• D. Prone position

Answer: (A)

In late pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can press on the inferior vena cava when lying flat, reducing venous return to the heart and placental blood flow. The left lateral recumbent position moves the uterus off the major vessels, improving venous return, stabilizing maternal blood pressure, and enhancing fetal perfusion. The right-side position doesn’t relieve the compression as effectively, while the supine position can worsen it, and the prone position isn’t feasible or safe. So, the best transport position is lying on the left side, or tilted with the right hip elevated to achieve a leftward tilt.