Practice recommendations for managing shoulder dystocia

Abstract

Although a relatively rare event, shoulder dystocia was directly responsible for up to 8% of intrapartum deaths (CESDI 1997; 1998) and two thirds had avoidable factors in their management. These findings and the epidemic of litigation cases associated with shoulder dystocia highlights the urgent need to review our practice and practice guidelines. This article considers some of the discussions arising from the multidisciplinary perinatal forum held by the West Midlands Perinatal Institute focusing on obstetric emergencies.