Effect of maternal position on fetal behavioural state and heart rate variability in healthy late gestation pregnancy

Abstract

Fetal behavioural state in healthy late gestation pregnancy is affected by maternal position. Fetal state 1F is more likely to occur in maternal supine or right lateral positions. Fetal state 4F is less likely to occur when the woman lies supine or semi‐recumbent. Fetal state change is more likely when the woman is supine or semi‐recumbent. Fetal heart rate variability is affected by maternal position with variability reduced in supine and semi‐recumbent positions.