Shoulder dystocia: prevention and management

Knowledge of the maneuvers used for the alleviation of shoulder dystocia is relevant not only for obstetric residents and attending house staff but also for family practitioners, nurses, and nurse midwives. The performance of shoulder dystocia "drills" can be helpful not only to coordinate a teamwork approach to this obstetric emergency but also to provide an opportunity to practice the maneuvers. Shoulder dystocia continues to represent an immense area of clinical interest because it typically occurs without prediction. All patients in labor should be considered at risk for the development of shoulder dystocia.