What complication can arise from applying excessive force during delivery with shoulder dystocia?

Applying excessive force during delivery with shoulder dystocia can lead to significant maternal injuries, such as lacerations or even uterine rupture. This can occur due to the need to navigate the obstructed passage of the baby, which may result in overexertion and pressure placed on the mother's tissues and organs.

It is essential for healthcare providers to manage shoulder dystocia carefully and to use appropriate maneuvers to minimize risk, as aggressive techniques can result in tearing of the vaginal tissue or, in more drastic cases, rupture the uterus, which poses severe risks to the mother and complicates the delivery process.

While maternal injuries are a concern, other complications such as fetal brain injury, excessive maternal bleeding, and neonatal respiratory distress can arise from shoulder dystocia but are not primarily associated with the act of applying excessive force itself. Instead, these complications can occur as a result of delayed delivery or the stress placed on the infant during the incident, rather than the direct consequences of applying too much physical force.