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Shoulder 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 protocols

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Show Credits

Host: Angie Rosier
Music: Michael Hicks
Photographer: Toni Walker
Episode Artwork: Nick Greenwood
Producer: Gillian Rosier Frampton
Voiceover: Ryan Parker