Proportions between fetal head and abdominal circumference good predictors of Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia (ShD) is the inability to deliver the baby's shoulders naturally. The condition affects approximately 0.15% to 3% of vaginal deliveries. Although most newborns recover from this without permanent harm, up to 20% of cases may result in temporary injuries such as brachial plexus damage, fractures, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Maternal complications, including perineal damage, postpartum haemorrhage, and mental stress, can also arise from shoulder dystocia.
A recent study published in the International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics has concluded that operative vaginal delivery, vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) and sonographic proportions between the abdominal circumference (AC) and fetal head are independently associated with ShD. Researchers in this study highlighted that women with these factors should get attention.
This study included women with neonatal birthweight <3500g. researchers compared cases of ShD to other deliveries and analyzed risk factors for ShD among women delivering <3500g newborns. This was a retrospective case–control study of all term live-singleton deliveries (2011–2019).
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