[Changes in uterine circulation in relation to body position in pregnancy]

The present paper reports on studies to determine the influence of body position on uterine blood flow. In ten pregnant patients (around the 35th week of gestation), over 700 measurements of systolic/diastolic action in the uterine vessels were made by Doppler sonography with the patients in various positions: lying down, standing, and sitting on the couch and the balance-variable chair; from the relationship between the systolic and diastolic levels conclusions were then drawn about the uterine blood flow in various body positions. It was found that it was best when the patient was lying down or sitting on the special chair without angling the hips; in contrast, diastole was lower in relation to systole with the patient standing and sitting on the examination couch. This means an increase in resistance or a reduction in blood flow. It appears reasonable to conclude that sitting on the balance-variable chair can be recommended to pregnant patients with signs of deficient fetal blood supply, in addition to bedrest, which is customarily advised. Apart from this, it is wise to use Doppler sonography to establish the body position in which uterine blood flow is best.