During resuscitation of a pregnant patient, you should ensure appropriate positioning for whom?

• A. Both mother and fetus
• B. Only the mother
• C. Only the fetus
• D. Positioning is not important

Answer: (A)

During resuscitation in pregnancy, the uterus can press on major vessels when the mother lies flat, cutting off return of blood to the heart and reducing both maternal cardiac output and fetal oxygen delivery. Placing the mother in a left lateral tilt or manually displacing the uterus to the left relieves this aortocaval compression, improves venous return, and enhances uteroplacental blood flow. By optimizing the mother's circulation, you indirectly optimize the fetus’s oxygen supply as well, so positioning matters for both. Hence, the best answer is that you should consider appropriate positioning for both mother and fetus.