Serious condition in children
Shoulder Dystocia during Childbirth
Shoulder dystocia is a potentially serious complication during birth, in which one or both shoulders of the baby becomes jammed against the bones of the mother’s pelvis. If the baby is not fully delivered in a few minutes, the brain and vital organs may be deprived of oxygen. This rather uncommon condition was first seen in 1730. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), the incidence ranges of shoulder dystocia are 0.6-1.4% and 0.48-0.70% respectively. Risk factors for shoulder dystocia include:
- Large fetus
- Small maternal pelvis
- Maternal obesity (Body Mass Index or BMI greater than 35)
- Diabetes mellitus
- Postterm pregnancy
- Previous shoulder dystocia
- Prolongation of late first stage of labor
- Prolonged second stage of labor
- Assisted vaginal delivery (using vacuum, forceps or both)
This video demonstrates how the McRobert’s Maneuver may help during the case of shoulder dystocia during childbirth:
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