When preparing a pregnant patient for delivery, how should you position her?

Positioning the pregnant patient correctly during delivery is crucial for both maternal and fetal well-being. When the patient is positioned on a firm surface with her hips elevated by 2 to 4 inches, it promotes better venous return from the lower body and reduces pressure on the vena cava. This position helps to alleviate any potential hypotensive events that could occur if the weight of the uterus compresses the major blood vessels when lying supine.

Additionally, elevating the hips slightly can facilitate the descent of the fetus through the birth canal, making the delivery process more efficient. This is particularly important for women in labor, as proper positioning can enhance contractions and aid in the progression of labor.

In contrast, supine positioning can lead to complications due to increased pressure on the major blood vessels, which may cause reduced blood flow to the placenta and result in fetal distress. Therefore, the firm surface with slight elevation proves to be the most supportive position during delivery.