Highlights
- •Pregnancy and co-morbid gestational states alter venous anatomy and physiology.
- •The venous system controls and responds to maternal hemodynamic states.
- •Dynamic interactions exist between venous unstressed (Vu) and stressed (Vs) volumes.
- •Hypotension often results from aortocaval compression or neuraxial technique use.
- •Hypertension is a heterogeneous group of disorders affecting venous function.
Abstract
Maternal positioning, medications, and other modulations to the venous system can
affect maternal and fetal well-being. The venous system is a dynamic reservoir for
blood volume, in which a virtual point of conversion between unstressed volume (Vu)
and stressed volume (Vs) exists. The anatomic and physiologic changes associated with
hypotension (e.g. supine and neuraxial technique-induced), hypertension (e.g. preeclampsia),
and fluid management (e.g. early recovery after cesarean delivery protocols) are opportunities
to consider the important role of the venous system in pregnancy.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 26, 2022
Accepted:
February 17,
2022
Identification
Copyright
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