Wood's screw maneuver

Wood's Screw Maneuver is a medical procedure used in obstetrics to assist in the delivery of a baby. It is named after James Hobart Wood, an American obstetrician who first described the technique in 1879.

Overview

The Wood's Screw Maneuver is used when a baby is in a transverse lie, meaning the baby is positioned horizontally in the womb, rather than vertically. This can make delivery difficult and potentially dangerous for both the mother and the baby. The maneuver involves the obstetrician using their hands to rotate the baby in the womb, in a motion similar to turning a screw.

Procedure

The Wood's Screw Maneuver is performed with the mother in the lithotomy position. The obstetrician places one hand on the baby's head and the other on the baby's buttocks. The hands are then moved in opposite directions, in a motion similar to turning a screw. This rotation can help to move the baby into a more favorable position for delivery.

Risks and Complications

While the Wood's Screw Maneuver can be a useful tool in managing a transverse lie, it is not without risks. Potential complications include uterine rupture, fetal distress, and umbilical cord prolapse. As such, it should only be performed by a skilled obstetrician and with the informed consent of the mother.

See Also

• Obstetric maneuvers
• Transverse lie
• Breech birth