• R Matorras, C Tacuri, A Nieto, G Gutierrez de Terán, and J Cortés.
• Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital from Cruces Baracaldo Vizcaya, País Vasco University, Spain.
• J Perinat Med. 1998 Jan 1; 26 (4): 284-92.

ObjectiveTo assess the benefits of performing the cesarean section in lateral tilt during active labor.SettingUniversity Hospital.Patients204 unselected women undergoing cesarean section (21.1% fetal distress, 45.6% cephalo-pelvic disproportion, 26.0% induction failure, 7.4% abnormal presentation) under general (86.8%) or spinal anesthesia (13.2%).DesignRandomized study.InterventionDuring anesthesia induction and cesarean section 103 women were in partial left lateralization (20 degrees), whereas the remaining 101 remained in the supine position.Main Outcome MeasuresInternal cardiotocography during cesarean section. Umbilical artery acid-base analysis. Newborn evaluation. Maternal hemodynamic parameters.ResultsFetal heart rate during cesarean section was similar in both groups, except for a baseline heart rate which was slightly higher in the lateral tilt group (137.5 +/- 19.2 vs 131.1 +/- 20). The umbilical artery pH values, as well as pCO2, base deficit, CO3H and oxygen saturation were similar in both groups. The pO2 value was significantly lower in the lateral tilt group (14.03 +/- 6.04 Hg mm vs 16.02 +/- 7.65). Newborn evaluation was similar in both groups. The blood pressure and heart rate of the mother during the cesarean section were also similar in both groups.ConclusionsNo benefits were found in performing cesarean section in left lateral tilt.

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