What is shoulder dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is defined as a childbirth emergency that occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery. This situation can complicate labor, as the head may come out, but the shoulders cannot navigate through the birth canal effectively. This obstruction can pose serious risks to both the baby and the mother, including potential injuries to the baby's arm or shoulder and increased stress on the baby's body due to prolonged delivery.

Recognizing shoulder dystocia and understanding its implications is critical for healthcare providers during labor and delivery. Proper management techniques, such as specific maneuvers to relieve the dystocia, are essential to ensure a safer delivery process and minimize complications.