ProcessIntermediate
What is supine hypotensive syndrome and how can it be remedied during pregnancy as described in the chapter on Women’s Health Issues?
Supine hypotensive syndrome is a condition that occurs during late pregnancy, characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when a pregnant woman is in a supine position. It is caused by compression of the inferior vena cava by the uterus, leading to decreased venous return to the heart. To remedy this condition, the patient should be rolled onto her left side, which alleviates the pressure on the vena cava and allows blood pressure to return to normal.
Key points
- Supine hypotensive syndrome occurs in late pregnancy when lying supine.
- Symptoms include a drop in blood pressure, bradycardia, and nausea.
- It results from compression of the inferior vena cava by the uterus.
- The remedy is to roll the patient onto her left side to relieve the pressure.
- This position change helps restore normal blood pressure.
Source:Little and Falace’s Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient· Women’s Health Issues· p. 328–330
Little and Falace’s Dental Management of the Medically Compromised Patient
James W. Little DMD MS
Ninth Edition · Elsevier, Inc.