Original Article: PDF OnlyImportance of the Lateral Position During LaborGOODLIN, ROBERT C. MD, FACOGAuthor Information From the Department of Gynccology and Obstetrics. Stanford University School of Medicine. Stanford. Calif. Obstetrics & Gynecology: May 1971 - Volume 37 - Issue 5 - p 698-701 Free Abstract In approximately one-third of parturients in the supine position, the femoral pulse decreases during a uterine contraction (Poseiro effect); this decrease is often associated with subsequent fetal distress and/or maternal hypotension. Since the entire syndrome is avoided by placing the mother in the lateral position, avoidance of the supine position for parturients is recommended. © 1971 The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
