How Do Doctors Manage Or Treat Shoulder Dystocia?

Doctors should be well trained in regard to the management of shoulder dystocia and the risk factors that are associated with it. Due to cord compression being a serious concern with shoulder dystocia, the baby needs to be delivered quickly when the head appears. Keep in mind that doctors cannot manipulate the baby in ways that creates an injury. Nonetheless, it is recommended that the doctors handle the baby with care accompanied by maternal effort.

Should Dystocia Treatment & Maneuvers

Suprapubic Pressure: As the baby is guided through the birth canal by the utilization of gentle attempts, the doctors can use techniques to free the anterior shoulder from behind the pelvis. This type of pressure is applied to the heel of the hand to the stuck shoulder above and behind the symphysis, followed by the stuck shoulder that can then be depressed, rotated, or both, for it to be freed.

McRoberts Maneuver: This maneuver consists of moving the mother’s legs up into her abdomen. In certain cases, this maneuver can free the stuck shoulder and allow for delivery.

Delivery Of The Posterior Shoulder: This is where doctors sweep the posterior arm across the baby’s chest, followed by delivering the arm. The anterior shoulder is freed from this motion leading to the successful delivery of the baby.

Woods Corkscrew Maneuver: This maneuver is performed exactly the way the name suggests. The posterior shoulder is rotated in a 180-degree manner, which then frees the anterior shoulder.

Rubin Maneuver: There are two recommended maneuvers. The first consists of moving the baby’s shoulders from side to side utilizing force on the mother’s abdomen, where the second method is to use the pelvic hand and reach in the shoulder that is easily accessible and push it in towards the anterior surface of the chest.