E90: Shoulder Dystocia

Send us Fan MailShoulder dystocia is a rare but significant birth complication where the baby's head is delivered but a shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pubic bone, similar to moving furniture through a doorway. • Occurs in only 0.5-1% of births• Risk factors include large babies, maternal diabetes, prior shoulder dystocia, and short maternal stature• Providers look for the "turtle sign" where the baby's head retracts slightly after emerging• Birth rooms typically have stools ready for this emergency• McRoberts maneuver (hyperflexing mother's legs) is usually the first intervention• Additional techniques include suprapubic pressure, internal maneuvers, and position changes• All-fours position is often used as a last resort intervention• In extreme cases, intentional clavicle fracture may be necessary• Most babies recover well, though there may be temporary arm weakness• Mothers may experience increased bleeding or perineal tears• Birth teams train regularly for this scenario and have clear protocolsPlease reach out and make a human connection with someone today, whether it's someone you've seen recently or someone you haven't connected with in a while.Visit our website, here: https://hatchednlatched.com/Follow us on Facebook at Hatched & LatchedFollow us on Instagram at @hatchenlatchedShow CreditsHost: Angie Rosier Music: Michael Hicks Photographer: Toni WalkerEpisode Artwork: Nick Greenwood Producer: Gillian Rosier FramptonVoiceover: Ryan Parker