BACKGROUND: An aortocaval compression by the gravid uterus in late pregnancy leads to acute hypotension in the mother and decreases uteroplacental blood flow which may affect neonatal outcome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate maternal hemodynamic changes, which affect neonatal outcome under general anesthesia for an elective cesarean section depending on the maternal position-supine or left lateral 15degrees tilting by wedge. METHODS: Forty women undergoing an elective cesarean section under general anesthesia delivered through the supine position or left lateral 15degrees tilting by wedge position randomly. The maternal brachial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded, and the maternal arterial blood, umbilical artery and vein blood were sampled. Induction-to-delivery time (IDT), uterine incision-to-delivery time (UDT), and Apgar scores were measured. RESULTS: The two groups had no maternal hypotension less than 100 mmHg, and there were no significant differences in brachial blood pressure and heart rate of the mother, or acid-base status and Apgar scores of the neonate. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, maternal position had no clinical significant effects on maternal brachial blood pressure and heart rate, and neonatal outcome.