Shoulder dystocia

Abstract

Shoulder dystocia is an uncommon but not rare obstetric emergency. Death of the infant is unusual but perinatal morbidity is frequent and can result in permanent injury. These cases carry significant medico-legal implications. This chapter covers the mechanisms, predisposing factors and management of shoulder dystocia. A well-rehearsed sequence of manoeuvres to manage shoulder dystocia will minimize fetal trauma.

Risk of shoulder dystocia in second delivery: does a history of shoulder dystocia matter?

“…Shoulder dystocia is described as the failure of delivery of the fetal shoulders after delivery of the fetal head (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). Shoulder dystocia can be a dramatic event; the phrase "the nightmare of the obstetrician" is often used to describe the severity of this emergency obstetric situation (4,7).…”

Adipositas in der Schwangerschaft – Auswirkungen auf den Schwangerschafts-, Geburts- und Wochenbettverlauf sowie das kindliche Outcome

“…Weitere Faktoren, die mit einer erhöhten Wahrscheinlichkeit für das Auftreten einer Schulterdystokie einhergehen, sind u.a. Makrosomie des Kindes, mütterlicher Diabetes mellitus, Multiparität, vaginal-operativer Entbindungsmodus und eine protrahierte Austreibungsphase der Geburt (78,79).…”

A Modified Technique to Deliver the Posterior Arm in Severe Shoulder Dystocia

“…6,7 The first is the insertion of the obstetrician's hand into the sacral hollow; the right hand is used if the fetal back is to mother's right, and vice-versa. 6,7 The first is the insertion of the obstetrician's hand into the sacral hollow; the right hand is used if the fetal back is to mother's right, and vice-versa.…”