McRoberts

McRoberts Maneuver is a common obstetrical procedure used to assist in childbirth when shoulder dystocia occurs. It is named after William A. McRoberts Jr., an American obstetrician who first described the technique in 1914.

Procedure

The McRoberts Maneuver involves hyperflexing the mother's legs tightly to her abdomen. This widens the pelvis and flattens the spine in the lower back (lumbar spine), allowing for the baby's shoulders to rotate and pass through the birth canal. The maneuver is often combined with suprapubic pressure, where a healthcare provider applies pressure just above the pubic bone to help dislodge the baby's shoulder.

Effectiveness

The McRoberts Maneuver is considered a primary intervention for shoulder dystocia and has a high success rate. It is non-invasive and can be performed quickly with the mother in the lithotomy position. However, it may not be effective in all cases, particularly if the baby is very large or the mother's pelvis is small.

Risks and Complications

While the McRoberts Maneuver is generally safe, it can cause discomfort and pain for the mother. There is also a risk of injury to the baby, including brachial plexus injury, clavicle fracture, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. These risks are generally low, but can increase if the maneuver is not performed correctly or if additional interventions are needed.

See Also

• Shoulder dystocia
• Obstetrical procedures
• Childbirth

McRoberts Resources
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