Shoulder Dystocia

MagMutual's guidance for physicians dealing with shoulder dystocia cases.

Shoulder dystocia is a specific case of obstructed labor whereby after the delivery of the head, the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below or requires significant manipulation to pass below, the pubic symphysis. It is diagnosed when the shoulders fail to deliver shortly after the fetal head.

For the physician, there are some key elements for handling the medical condition and the impact for all involved.