Shoulder Dystocia

In this video, with the help of Dr. Kristin Black, a resident from the University of Alberta, 4th year medical student Julia Boucher discusses an approach to shoulder dystocia.
Shoulder dystocia is a complication that can occur during a vaginal delivery. It is an obstetrical emergency. Shoulder dystocia occurs when, after delivery of the fetal head, additional obstetrical maneuvers are required to deliver the fetal shoulders. It occurs in approximately 1% of births.
Shoulder dystocia can be caused by impaction of the anterior or posterior shoulder during vaginal delivery. Anterior shoulder is more common and is caused by impaction at the maternal pubic symphysis. Posterior shoulder is less common and is caused by impaction at the maternal sacral promontory.