Shoulder dystocia
Shoulder dystocia is a rare but serious birth complication where the baby's head has been delivered but one or both shoulders become lodged behind the mother's pubic bone, preventing the rest of the body from being born. This requires immediate action by the clinical team because the umbilical cord can become compressed, reducing oxygen to the baby. Trained doctors and midwives use specific maneuvers, such as the McRoberts maneuver (pulling the mother's knees sharply back toward her shoulders) and suprapubic pressure, to release the shoulder. It occurs in roughly 0.5 to 1 percent of vaginal births and cannot always be predicted in advance.
What This Means for You
Understanding Shoulder dystocia is an important part of your birth journey. When preparing for birth, understanding this term helps you discuss your birth preferences with your midwife or OB-GYN and know what to expect in the delivery room.
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Risk factors include a large baby, maternal diabetes, and a prolonged second stage of labor, but shoulder dystocia can occur without any warning signs. Delivery teams at KKH and NUH are trained to manage this emergency with established protocols.
Related Terms
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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