Objective. The objective of our study was to clarify the effect of the mate
rnal prone position on the fete-placental flow. In this position, the uteri
ne compression of the large maternal vessels was expected to be completely
eliminated.
Methods. Twenty-three normal pregnant women were cross-sectionally examined
in the supine, the left lateral, the right lateral and the prone position.
The systolic/diastolic ratios for the umbilical artery were calculated for
each position.
Results. The umbilical arterial systolic/diastolic ratio in the prone posit
ion significantly decreased compared with that in the supine position. The
left and right lateral position showed no significant change in the systoli
c/diastolic ratio.
Conclusion. The maternal prone position can provide complete relief of uter
ine compression of the large maternal vessels.