What it means
The venae cavae are the two largest veins: the superior vena cava brings blood from the head and arms, and the inferior vena cava brings it from the lower body, both into the right atrium of the heart. In late pregnancy, lying flat on the back lets the uterus press on the inferior vena cava and lower blood pressure.
At a glance
| Spanish | vena |
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Related terms
vein
A blood vessel that carries blood back toward the heart.
third trimester
The last part of pregnancy, from week 28 until birth.