Common Medical Techniques Used to Manage Shoulder Dystocia
Although this may sound overwhelming, keep in mind that doctors and nurses are well-trained to handle such cases. Let’s explore what shoulder dystocia is, its causes, and how healthcare professionals manage it safely.
What Exactly Happens During Shoulder Dystocia?
The baby’s head comes out first during a natural birth, followed by the shoulders and body. In shoulder dystocia, one or both shoulders get stuck, preventing a normal and smooth birth.
According to medical experts, this usually occurs in about 0.2% to 3% of natural births, as reported in medical studies. Even if it’s unpredictable, certain factors can increase your risk, like having a bigger baby, diabetes, or a prolonged stage of labour.
But it’s not a matter of concern, as most babies and mothers recover well with time and proper medical help.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?
Acting immediately during shoulder dystocia is important to prevent both you and the baby from further complications. When shoulder dystocia occurs, the baby's shoulder becomes stuck, and the attached umbilical cord may be pressed or compressed, which can temporarily reduce the oxygen supply.
The doctor and the nursing team follow step-by-step methods or techniques to ensure the safety of you and your baby. These are practised on a regular interval by doctors and nurses to gain a quick and immediate response.
What Techniques Do Doctors Use to Manage Shoulder Dystocia?
Generally, doctors follow a sequence of manoeuvres as each case of shoulder dystocia is different. It gets switched from simple positions to advanced techniques according to the requirements of the case. Here are some techniques that are commonly used to manage shoulder dystocia:
1. The McRoberts Manoeuvre – Leg Changing Position
In this method, your legs are gently lifted and bent toward your chest, opening up and widening your pelvis, and straightening your lower spine. It is one of the first and most effective steps. This simple yet effective position change alone can solve nearly 40% of shoulder dystocia complications. It helps your baby’s shoulder slip free naturally without applying extra force.
2. Applying Gentle Suprapubic Pressure
If the McRoberts position doesn’t work, your doctor and nursing team may use suprapubic pressure. A nurse or assistant applies gentle, firm pressure just above your pubic bone, aiming to push the baby’s shoulder downward and out from behind your pelvic bone. This is done with care, never on your belly or the baby’s head, and often works well when combined with the McRoberts manoeuvre.
3. Gaskin Manoeuvre: Getting on All Fours
Your doctor may ask you to move onto your hands and knees if changing your position on your back doesn’t help. This position makes it easier for the baby’s shoulder to come out as it rotates your pelvis naturally. It is more preferred because it depends more on body positioning rather than applying pressure.
4. Delivery of the Posterior Arm: Freeing the Baby’s Arm
In this technique, the doctor may carefully reach inside to take out the baby’s lower arm first. Once that arm is out, the rest of the body mostly follows easily. This method requires skill and patience, but is highly reliable when applied correctly, as it helps create space for the baby’s shoulder to move.
5. Rubin and Woods Corkscrew Manoeuvres: Rotating the Baby
This method is used when all the simpler methods don’t work. This technique works by carefully rotating the baby’s shoulder from behind to bring it into a better position. The doctor's hands rotate the baby in exactly the manner of a corkscrew, helping to free the stuck shoulder.
6. Advanced Measures – When Standard Techniques Don’t Work
Even if all the above cases fail, which is a rare phenomenon, many advanced techniques can still be used:
The Emotional Side – You’re Not Alone
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when you hear about such complications. But knowing that doctors and teams are prepared for such emergencies can give you a sense of security.
If you’ve experienced it before, discussing your feelings can aid in emotional recovery. An emotional supporter always helps you feel safe, confident, and cared for as you prepare for your next birth experience.
This complication does sound scary, but doctors and nursing teams have been trained for such unexpected cases, so having a general understanding of how it actually happens and what measures doctors take helps you to stay calm and composed. With the right medical techniques and immediate teamwork, many such cases have been solved. Shoulder dystocia may sound scary, but with the right medical techniques and quick teamwork, most deliveries end safely.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Common Medical Techniques Used to Manage Shoulder DystociaCan shoulder dystocia occur again in the next pregnancy?
Yes, your doctor will track you closely and may suggest precautions or a C-section if required, as there will still be a 10% chance of its recurrence. Does shoulder dystocia cause permanent harm to the baby?
In most cases, babies recover completely. Some may suffer from short-term weakness in an arm known as Erb’s palsy, which generally gets better with therapy. What precautions should you take if you have had shoulder dystocia before?
Cooperate with your doctor and let them closely track your pregnancy. Early planning, monitoring the baby’s size, and carefully planned delivery can decrease future consequences.
What Exactly Happens During Shoulder Dystocia?
The baby’s head comes out first during a natural birth, followed by the shoulders and body. In shoulder dystocia, one or both shoulders get stuck, preventing a normal and smooth birth.
According to medical experts, this usually occurs in about 0.2% to 3% of natural births, as reported in medical studies. Even if it’s unpredictable, certain factors can increase your risk, like having a bigger baby, diabetes, or a prolonged stage of labour.
But it’s not a matter of concern, as most babies and mothers recover well with time and proper medical help.
Why Is It Important to Act Quickly?
Acting immediately during shoulder dystocia is important to prevent both you and the baby from further complications. When shoulder dystocia occurs, the baby's shoulder becomes stuck, and the attached umbilical cord may be pressed or compressed, which can temporarily reduce the oxygen supply.
The doctor and the nursing team follow step-by-step methods or techniques to ensure the safety of you and your baby. These are practised on a regular interval by doctors and nurses to gain a quick and immediate response.
What Techniques Do Doctors Use to Manage Shoulder Dystocia?
Generally, doctors follow a sequence of manoeuvres as each case of shoulder dystocia is different. It gets switched from simple positions to advanced techniques according to the requirements of the case. Here are some techniques that are commonly used to manage shoulder dystocia:
1. The McRoberts Manoeuvre – Leg Changing Position
In this method, your legs are gently lifted and bent toward your chest, opening up and widening your pelvis, and straightening your lower spine. It is one of the first and most effective steps. This simple yet effective position change alone can solve nearly 40% of shoulder dystocia complications. It helps your baby’s shoulder slip free naturally without applying extra force.
2. Applying Gentle Suprapubic Pressure
If the McRoberts position doesn’t work, your doctor and nursing team may use suprapubic pressure. A nurse or assistant applies gentle, firm pressure just above your pubic bone, aiming to push the baby’s shoulder downward and out from behind your pelvic bone. This is done with care, never on your belly or the baby’s head, and often works well when combined with the McRoberts manoeuvre.
3. Gaskin Manoeuvre: Getting on All Fours
Your doctor may ask you to move onto your hands and knees if changing your position on your back doesn’t help. This position makes it easier for the baby’s shoulder to come out as it rotates your pelvis naturally. It is more preferred because it depends more on body positioning rather than applying pressure.
4. Delivery of the Posterior Arm: Freeing the Baby’s Arm
In this technique, the doctor may carefully reach inside to take out the baby’s lower arm first. Once that arm is out, the rest of the body mostly follows easily. This method requires skill and patience, but is highly reliable when applied correctly, as it helps create space for the baby’s shoulder to move.
5. Rubin and Woods Corkscrew Manoeuvres: Rotating the Baby
This method is used when all the simpler methods don’t work. This technique works by carefully rotating the baby’s shoulder from behind to bring it into a better position. The doctor's hands rotate the baby in exactly the manner of a corkscrew, helping to free the stuck shoulder.
6. Advanced Measures – When Standard Techniques Don’t Work
Even if all the above cases fail, which is a rare phenomenon, many advanced techniques can still be used:
- Zavanelli manoeuvre: An immediate C-section surgery is done after gently placing the head of the baby back in the vaginal passage.
- Symphysiotomy: A rare procedure where the pelvic joint is slightly widened to help the baby pass through.
- Discuss your birth history and risk factors with your doctor
- Follow the diet and work out routines as advised by your doctor
- Continue monitoring your blood sugar and blood pressure levels
- Staying calm acts as the best remedy; just trust your healthcare team
The Emotional Side – You’re Not Alone
It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when you hear about such complications. But knowing that doctors and teams are prepared for such emergencies can give you a sense of security.
If you’ve experienced it before, discussing your feelings can aid in emotional recovery. An emotional supporter always helps you feel safe, confident, and cared for as you prepare for your next birth experience.
This complication does sound scary, but doctors and nursing teams have been trained for such unexpected cases, so having a general understanding of how it actually happens and what measures doctors take helps you to stay calm and composed. With the right medical techniques and immediate teamwork, many such cases have been solved. Shoulder dystocia may sound scary, but with the right medical techniques and quick teamwork, most deliveries end safely.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on Common Medical Techniques Used to Manage Shoulder Dystocia
Yes, your doctor will track you closely and may suggest precautions or a C-section if required, as there will still be a 10% chance of its recurrence.
In most cases, babies recover completely. Some may suffer from short-term weakness in an arm known as Erb’s palsy, which generally gets better with therapy.
Cooperate with your doctor and let them closely track your pregnancy. Early planning, monitoring the baby’s size, and carefully planned delivery can decrease future consequences.
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