Inclined or conventional supine position in ultrasonic examinations in late pregnancy

Ultrasonic examinations were made on 22 patients in late pregnancy both in the conventional supine position and in an inclined position. The findings give rise to the following conclusions: 1) The inclined position prevents the development of the vena cava inferior syndrome. 2) The examinations can be made as easily and accurately in the inclined as in the conventional supine position. 3) In cases where the head is in the occipito-posterior position the inclined position may increase the reliability of the measurement of the biparietal diamter. The authors consider it recommendable to use the inclined position instead of the conventional supine position in ultrasonic examinations to maintain both maternal and fetal well-being during the procedure.