Shoulder dystocia is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic intrapartum event. Although risk factors such as maternal diabetes, obesity and macrosomia can be identified, shoulder dystocia most ...

This article was reviewed by Rhonia Gordon, MD, who is a clinical assistant professor with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Langone. One rare but serious possible complication ...

Dystocia may occur with maternal or fetal causes. Maternal causes include primary uterine inertia, birth canal obstruction, ...

Diabetes and macrosomia represent the greatest risk factors for shoulder dystocia; however, since most shoulder dystocias occur in normal-weight infants, shoulder dystocia is difficult to predict.