Shoulder dystocia: its incidence and associated risk factors

A case-control study (73 cases, 146 controls) was conducted to evaluate maternal, obstetrical and fetal factors associated with shoulder dystocia. Several factors were identified that were associated with a higher incidence of shoulder dystocia. However, none of them accurately predict those deliveries that will be complicated by shoulder dystocia. Among the 73 shoulder dystocia cases there were no perinatal deaths and all birth-related injuries associated with shoulder dystocia were temporary except for two cases of mild muscular weakness among 12 brachial palsy cases.