Recurrent Shoulder Dystocia: Risk Factors and Counseling

Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Dec;59(4):803-812. doi: 10.1097/GRF.0000000000000229.

Abstract

A prior history of delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia confers a 6-fold to nearly 30-fold increased risk of shoulder dystocia recurrence in a subsequent vaginal delivery, with most reported rates between 12% and 17%. Whereas prevention of shoulder dystocia in the general population is neither feasible nor cost-effective, directing intervention efforts at the particular subgroup of women with a prior history of shoulder dystocia has merit. Potentially modifiable risk factors and individualized management strategies that may reduce shoulder dystocia recurrence and its associated significant morbidities are reviewed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Counseling
  • Delivery, Obstetric / adverse effects*
  • Delivery, Obstetric / statistics & numerical data
  • Dystocia / diagnosis
  • Dystocia / prevention & control*
  • Dystocia / psychology
  • Female
  • Fetal Macrosomia / diagnosis
  • Fetal Macrosomia / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Recurrence
  • Reproductive History
  • Risk Factors
  • Shoulder