Complications in the emergency transport of pregnant women.

Emergency transport of pregnant women is increasing in frequency. The physiologic changes of pregnancy cause a gravid woman and her fetus to be particularly vulnerable during transport. As the uterus enlarges, it compresses the vena cava and the aorta of the mother when she is in the supine position. Aortocaval compression may lead to uteroplacental insufficiency, supine hypotension, and potentially cardiopulmonary arrest. In addition, aortocaval compression is associated with placental abruption. This report presents three cases that illustrate the tragic outcomes of transporting pregnant women in the supine position. Pregnant women should be transported in a position of lateral tilt.