Shoulder dystocia: information for you

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Shoulder dystocia is when the baby’s head has been born but one of the shoulders becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone, delaying the birth of the baby’s body. If this happens, extra help is usually needed to release the baby’s shoulder. In the majority of cases, the baby will be born promptly and safely. This information is for you if you wish to know about shoulder dystocia.

March 2013