Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Practice Test

How should a pregnant patient be positioned?

1. Upright

2. Supine

3. On their right side

4. On their left side

The correct answer is: On their left side

Positioning a pregnant patient properly is crucial for both maternal and fetal well-being. The correct answer, which is to place the patient on their left side, is recommended primarily to optimize blood flow to the uterus. This position helps prevent compression of the inferior vena cava, a large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the lower body back to the heart. When a pregnant woman lies on her back or in a supine position, the weight of the uterus can compress this vessel, which may lead to hypotension and reduced perfusion to vital organs, including the placenta. Lying on the left side not only alleviates this pressure but also promotes better circulation, thereby enhancing fetal oxygenation and supporting more effective functioning of the mother's organs. Thus, for optimal outcomes in a pregnant patient, the left lateral position is preferred.