What is the primary goal of management during a shoulder dystocia event?

The primary goal during a shoulder dystocia event is to safely deliver the baby while minimizing both maternal and neonatal complications. Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency where the baby's shoulder gets stuck after the head has delivered. This condition poses significant risks, including potential injury to the baby, such as brachial plexus injury or hypoxia, as well as complications for the mother, like hemorrhage or trauma to the birth canal.

In managing this situation, healthcare providers must quickly assess the situation and implement techniques designed to dislodge the shoulder while ensuring that both mother and baby remain as safe as possible throughout the process. This entails using a variety of maneuvers, such as the McRoberts maneuver or suprapubic pressure, to facilitate delivery. The overarching focus remains on achieving a delivery that reduces the chances of injuries or complications for both parties involved, rather than opting for more invasive procedures like a cesarean section or administering anesthesia, which are not immediate priorities in this acute scenario.