Which maternal position might be encouraged to alleviate fetal heart rate decelerations?

Encouraging the left lateral position for a pregnant woman can be an effective measure to alleviate fetal heart rate decelerations. This position helps to optimize placental perfusion and reduce pressure on major blood vessels, particularly the inferior vena cava, which can occur in the supine position. By lying on the left side, maternal circulation improves, allowing for better fetal oxygenation and nutrient delivery.

Decelerations in fetal heart rate can signify that the fetus is experiencing some level of stress or compromised blood flow, often due to compression of the umbilical cord or uterine blood vessels. The left lateral position increases uterine blood flow, potentially alleviating these decelerations and promoting a healthier fetal heart rate pattern.

In contrast, the supine position may exacerbate decelerations due to the compression of blood vessels, particularly in late pregnancy. The sitting upright position, while better than supine, does not provide the same benefits as left lateral positioning. Standing can also be less effective compared to lateral positioning, as it doesn't address issues related to pressure on blood vessels in the same way the left lateral position does.