Why Supine Position is to be avoided in Pregnant Patients ??
- All elective surgical procedures should be postponed until postpartum. Minor/outpatient oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures should follow some basic guidelines.
- The supine position should be avoided for a variety of reasons:to avoid the development of the “supine hypotensive syndrome” in which a supine position causes a decrease in cardiac output, resulting in hypotension, syncope, and decreased uteroplacental perfusion.
- In addition, the supine position may cause a decrease in arterial oxygen tension (PaO2) and increase the incidence of dyspepsia from gastoresophageal reflux secondary to an incompetent lower esophageal sphincter.
- Finally, the supine position poses an increased risk of developing DVT, by compression of the inferior vena cava, leading to venous stasis and clot formation. The ideal position of the gravid patient in the dental chair is the left lateral decubitus position with the right buttock and hip elevated by15°.
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