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Shoulder dystocia — DipIMC MCQ

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EasyPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesShoulder dystociaDipIMC

A 29-year-old woman in labour at home has the fetal head delivered but restitution does not occur and the shoulders fail to deliver with the next contraction. What is the most appropriate immediate action?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Call for help and use McRoberts position with suprapubic pressure

This is shoulder dystocia, requiring immediate help, McRoberts position and suprapubic pressure. Fundal pressure and traction on the head can worsen impaction and injure the baby. Cutting the cord before delivery is not the treatment. The pearl is that simple positional manoeuvres are first-line and time-critical.

Reference: JRCALC Guidelines 2025; RCOG Shoulder Dystocia guidance