During a vaginal delivery the fetal head delivers but then retracts against the perineum and the shoulders do not deliver with routine traction. What is the first manoeuvre?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. The McRoberts position with suprapubic pressure
- Step 1: This is shoulder dystocia, an obstetric emergency with a risk of brachial plexus injury and hypoxia. Step 2. McRoberts flexes and abducts the maternal hips to widen the pelvis, and suprapubic pressure dislodges the shoulder. Answer: The McRoberts position with suprapubic pressure. Why not the others: Fundal pressure impacts the shoulder further. Caesarean section is not the first step. Traction on the head can injure the brachial plexus.
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