Fetal shoulder dystocia (FSD) is an unpredictable and critical obstetric
intrapartum emergency, where an objective problem is the relationship between
the mother's pelvis and the child, i. e., an anthropometric
disorder of delivery mechanics and dynamics. It is evident that the need to
perform other maneuvers indicates the severity of FSD, which in turn correlates
with the consequent iatrogenic injury of the fetus and/or mother. FSD is
certainly the most controversial forensic obstetric problem, with the most
disputes, compensation for damages due to peripartum injury to the child
and/or mother, pain suffered, the need for someone else's care,
and permanent disability. Suboptimal procedures and inadequate documentation are
factors of forensic risk and subsequent litigations. Prevention of FSD is
generally not possible, although good antenatal care can sometimes exclude risky
cases of FSD, and some rare, chronic intrauterine disorders can result in
orthopedic and neurological sequelae, which is especially important in forensic
analysis. Because FSD is largely impossible to predict, it must be viewed as an
intrapartum acceptable risk. During childbirth, FSD may compromise the safety of
the mother and unborn child, therefore education and skills acquisition are
necessary for obstetric work. Risk control, proper procedures, and proper
documentation, along with good communication with the pregnant women and their
families, significantly reduce litigation procedures.