Shoulder Dystocia (328)
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Shoulder dystocia is the failure to deliver the shoulders with routine axial traction, i.e. the same degree of traction as is applied during a normal delivery, applied in line with the fetal spine. (RCOG Guideline no. 42, 2012).
Shoulder Dystocia is an unpredictable life-threatening obstetric emergency, with significant risk of harm to the infant if managed inappropriately. Certain risk factors have been identified but their predictive value is low. Consequently birth attendants must be prepared for the possibility of shoulder dystocia in all vaginal deliveries and have a prepared plan of management. Rehearsed protocols markedly enhance such preparation.