The Effect of Lateral Positioning on Blood Pressure Stability Following Spinal Anesthesia Induction in Cesarean Section Patients

Background: Hypotension is one of the common complications following spinal anesthesia induction in patients undergoing cesarean section. Sympathetic blockade caused by spinal anesthesia may result in vasodilation, decreased venous return, and reduced blood pressure. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of the left lateral position on blood pressure stability after spinal anesthesia induction in patients undergoing cesarean section at Citra Arafiq Hospital. Methods: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest approach. The study was conducted in the Central Operating Room of Citra Arafiq Hospital from May to June 2026. The sample consisted of 40 respondents selected using total sampling. Data were collected using an observation sheet by measuring systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) before (pretest) and after (posttest) administration of the left lateral position. Bivariate analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The results showed that the mean systolic blood pressure before the left lateral position was 121.1 mmHg and decreased to 118.4 mmHg after the intervention. The mean diastolic blood pressure was 76.0 mmHg before the intervention and 74.9 mmHg after the intervention. The mean MAP was 91.0 mmHg before the intervention and 89.4 mmHg after the intervention. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.001) and MAP (p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.065). Conclusion: The left lateral position had an effect on changes in blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure and MAP, in patients undergoing cesarean section after spinal anesthesia induction. The left lateral position may be used as a non-pharmacological intervention to help maintain hemodynamic stability.