What position should an expectant mother suffering from supine hypotensive syndrome be placed in?

An expectant mother suffering from supine hypotensive syndrome should be positioned on her left side. This condition occurs when the weight of the gravid uterus compresses the inferior vena cava while the mother is lying supine (flat on her back), leading to decreased venous return to the heart and subsequently causing hypotension.

Placing the mother in a left lateral position helps alleviate this compression, improving blood flow to the heart and subsequently to the fetus. This position optimizes circulation and can help alleviate symptoms of dizziness, faintness, and low blood pressure experienced in supine hypotensive syndrome. The left side is specifically preferred because it helps to ensure that the major blood vessels are not obstructed.

Positioning the mother on the right side can also relieve the pressure but may not be as effective as the left side. The prone position is not appropriate as it would not support the expectant mother's body nor reduce the compression on the vena cava, and remaining supine would exacerbate the symptoms of the syndrome. Therefore, the left lateral position is the safest and most effective for caring for an expectant mother experiencing this condition.