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shoulder dystocia


Shoulder Dystocia CPG

Shoulder dystocia is a relatively common event that is difficult to predict; almost half of all cases of shoulder dystocia have no antecedent factors. Anticipation and preparation are the keys to successful management.
Specific manoeuvres must be employed to complete the birth after normal downward traction has failed to deliver the shoulders in a vaginal birth. These manoeuvres are designed to disimpact the fetal shoulder before further traction is applied. Inappropriate and excessive traction is associated with an increased incidence of fetal morbidity, including brachial plexus injuries.

This CPG is presented as a pdf.




shoulder dystocia pdf version

shoulder dystocia algorithm


Royal Women's Hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are intended to provide guidance to health care professionals, based on a thorough evaluation of research evidence, on the practical assessment and management of specific clinical issues or situations. The guidelines allow some flexibility on the part of the health care professional based on the needs of the specific patient for whom they are caring.


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