Final answer:
Lying on the left side during pregnancy improves uterine blood flow. Instructing a pregnant patient to lie on the left side is recommended to improve uterine blood flow, and by extension placental blood flow, which ensures better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the fetus.
Step-by-step explanation:
During pregnancy, instructing a pregnant patient to lie on the left side helps to improve uterine blood flow. When lying on the left side, the weight of the baby and the uterus is not pressing on the large blood vessels, specifically the inferior vena cava. This allows for better blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby.
Instructing a pregnant patient to lie on the left side is recommended to improve uterine blood flow, and by extension placental blood flow, which ensures better oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the fetus.
The purpose of instructing a pregnant patient to lie on the left side is to improve uterine blood flow. This position prevents the weight of the uterus from pressing on the inferior vena cava, which could impair venous return and reduce the oxygen and nutrient delivery to the placenta and fetus. By lying on the left side, pregnant patients enhance placental blood flow and thus ensure better fetal oxygenation and nutrient supply.
During pregnancy, instructing a pregnant patient to lie on the left side helps to improve uterine blood flow. When lying on the left side, the weight of the baby and the uterus is not pressing on the large blood vessels, specifically the inferior vena cava. This allows for better blood flow to the uterus, placenta, and baby.