supine hypotensive syndrome

su·pine hy·po·ten·sive syn·drome

in the supine pregnant woman at or near term, maternal hypotension; maternal hypotension is due to obstruction by the gravid uterus of the inferior vena cava with resulting decrease in venous return to the heart; fetal hypoxia is due to maternal hypotension and obstruction of maternal aorta by the gravid uterus with resulting decrease in placental perfusion.

su·pine hy·po·ten·sive syn·drome

in the supine pregnant woman at or near term, maternal hypotension; maternal hypotension is due to obstruction by the gravid uterus of the inferior vena cava with resulting decrease in venous return to the heart; fetal hypoxia is due to maternal hypotension and obstruction of maternal aorta by the gravid uterus with resulting decrease in placental perfusion.

supine hypotensive syndrome

Sudden fall in blood pressure due to diminished venous return caused by compression of the vena cava by the gravid uterus when the pregnant woman rests flat on her back. The low venous return also results in decreased placental perfusion and potentially in fetal hypoxia. Synonym: vena caval syndrome