Abstract
Cardiopulmonary function was evaluated in 15 healthy women at term while resting in the standing, sitting, left lateral decubitus, and supine position. There was a statistically significant decrease in expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and functional residual capacity (FRC) in the lateral and supine positions as compared with the sitting and erect position. In the supine position there was a fall in cardiac output (CO) and no increase in lung diffusion capacity. The latter is expected to increase in nonpregnant subjects. In the standing position there was an increase in tidal volume, minute volume, O2 uptake, and CO2 elimination. Whereas lying decreases pulmonary reserve volumes, standing is a posture that costs energy. These changes in maternal cardiopulmonary function have to be considered in management of labor and complications during pregnancy.
| Translated title of the contribution | Effect of posture on pulmonary function in late pregnancy |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Pages (from-to) | 205-208 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| Journal | Atemwegs- und Lungenkrankheiten |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| State | Published - 1983 |
| Externally published | Yes |