Shoulder presentation

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Shoulder presentation refers to a situation in obstetrics where the fetus is in a transverse lie within the uterus, meaning that its long axis is perpendicular to that of the mother. This can lead to complications during childbirth.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Shoulder presentation can occur due to several reasons, including uterine abnormalities, multiple pregnancy, premature birth, and excessive amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios).

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of shoulder presentation is typically made during labor when the midwife or obstetrician is unable to feel the presenting part of the fetus. This can be confirmed by ultrasound.

Management[edit | edit source]

The management of shoulder presentation depends on the stage of labor. If diagnosed early in labor, an attempt may be made to rotate the fetus into a more favorable position (external cephalic version). If this is unsuccessful or if the diagnosis is made late in labor, a caesarean section may be necessary.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Complications of shoulder presentation can include prolonged labor, fetal distress, and umbilical cord prolapse.

See also[edit | edit source]

Shoulder presentation Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T