Shoulder dystocia is when a baby's shoulders get stuck inside the mother's pelvis during childbirth. This situation needs immediate action to help deliver the baby safely.

It often occurs because the baby's shoulders are larger than expected or the pelvis is too narrow. Key risk factors include the baby being quite large (macrosomia), the mother having diabetes, a history of shoulder dystocia in previous deliveries, and maternal obesity.

One common sign is the "turtle sign," where the baby's head pops out and retracts like a turtle pulling its head into its shell. Doctors diagnose it during childbirth if the baby's shoulders don't follow the head easily.

Doctors may use special maneuvers, like the McRoberts maneuver (where the mother's legs are bent deeply to her chest) and applying suprapubic pressure, to help deliver the baby safely. In severe cases, they might opt for more advanced techniques.

For babies, there's a risk of brachial plexus injuries, which can affect the nerves in the arm, and sometimes fractures. Mothers might face challenges like postpartum hemorrhage. The majority of complications are manageable and often temporary.

While it's hard to prevent due to its unpredictable nature, managing risk factors like maternal diabetes and discussing birth options with your healthcare provider can help. In some cases, planning for a C-section might be recommended.

The good news is that most babies recover completely, especially with proper care. By 18 months, about 82% function normally. However, there's an increased chance of shoulder dystocia happening in future pregnancies.