What is the primary concern when managing a case of shoulder dystocia?

The primary concern when managing a case of shoulder dystocia is safeguarding against maternal and neonatal complications. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery, which can pose significant risks to both the mother and the baby. For the neonate, complications may include brachial plexus injury, fractures, or asphyxia due to prolonged obstruction of the airway. For the mother, potential complications involve excessive bleeding, uterine rupture, and psychological trauma due to the emergency nature of the situation.

Effective management of shoulder dystocia focuses on quickly resolving the obstruction while closely monitoring for any adverse effects on the mother and child. Timely intervention is crucial to minimize risks and prevent long-term complications. Therefore, the primary goal is to ensure both maternal safety and the health of the newborn, making the management of complications the top priority during such a critical event in childbirth.