How To Avoid Aortocaval Compression

Avoiding aortocaval compression—a condition where the uterus compresses the aorta and inferior vena cava—mainly applies to pregnant women, especially during the third trimester.

👶 What Is Aortocaval Compression?

Also called supine hypotensive syndrome, it occurs when a pregnant woman lies flat on her back, and the enlarged uterus compresses:

The aorta, reducing blood flow to the body and baby
The inferior vena cava, reducing blood return to the heart

This can lead to:

Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Dizziness or fainting
Reduced oxygen supply to the fetus

✅ How To Avoid Aortocaval Compression

1. 🤰 Avoid Lying Flat on Your Back (Especially After 20 Weeks)

From the second trimester onward, the uterus is heavy enough to compress major vessels.
Instead, sleep on your left side—this improves blood flow and reduces pressure on the vena cava.

2. 🛌 Use a Pregnancy Pillow

Wedge or full-body pillows help maintain a side-lying position.
A small pillow behind your back can prevent rolling onto your back while sleeping.

3. 💺 Tilt When Lying Down or Reclining

If you need to lie flat for medical exams or rest, tilt your body about 15° to the left.
- Place a pillow or rolled towel under your right hip or back.
- This shifts the uterus off the vessels.

4. 🚑 Tell Healthcare Providers You’re Pregnant

If you’re in the hospital, especially for surgery or procedures, make sure staff know you’re pregnant so they position you appropriately.

5. 📉 Recognize Symptoms

If you experience while lying on your back:

Lightheadedness
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Sweating
Feeling faint or dizzy

👉 Roll to your left side immediately and symptoms usually resolve quickly.

🩺 Bonus: In Medical Settings

During C-sections or spinal anesthesia, the mother is usually positioned with a left lateral tilt to prevent compression.
If cardiac arrest occurs in late pregnancy, manual uterine displacement or left-tilt positioning is part of emergency protocol.