In simple words: Shoulder dystocia happens during childbirth when the baby's shoulders get stuck after the head is delivered. This is a serious problem that can hurt the baby or mother. Doctors have special techniques to help deliver the baby safely.

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency occurring during vaginal delivery when the fetal head delivers, but the shoulders become impacted, preventing further descent.This impaction is typically caused by the anterior shoulder becoming lodged behind the pubic symphysis, or the posterior shoulder obstructed by the sacral promontory.The condition is characterized by the inability to deliver the fetal shoulders despite gentle downward traction on the head.It may result in significant maternal and/or fetal morbidity and mortality, including fetal asphyxia, brachial plexus injury, clavicular fracture, and maternal perineal lacerations.Management requires immediate intervention, such as McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, and potentially delivery of the posterior arm.

Example 1: A 35-year-old G2P1 woman at 41 weeks gestation presents in labor.After the head is delivered, the shoulders fail to descend, exhibiting the "turtle sign".McRoberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure are unsuccessful.Delivery of the posterior arm is performed, followed by the successful delivery of the infant. Postpartum hemorrhage requiring uterotonic medication is noted. , A 28-year-old G1P0 woman with gestational diabetes and fetal macrosomia delivers vaginally.The delivery is complicated by shoulder dystocia requiring the application of suprapubic pressure and McRoberts maneuver. The baby suffers a clavicular fracture. , A 40-year-old G3P2 woman with a history of shoulder dystocia delivers.A planned Cesarean section is performed in anticipation of potential shoulder dystocia due to previous history and risk factors.

** The diagnosis of shoulder dystocia relies heavily on clinical judgment and the presence of certain criteria, such as failure to deliver the anterior shoulder after the head has been delivered and the use of specific maneuvers to resolve the condition.