How does maternal position influence the risk of shoulder dystocia?

The influence of maternal position on the risk of shoulder dystocia is significant, particularly in how certain positions can help widen the pelvic diameter. When the mother is in certain positions, such as squatting or using hands-and-knees positioning, the angle of the pelvis can change, potentially allowing more room for the fetus to pass through the birth canal. This increase in pelvic diameter can help facilitate delivery and may reduce the risk of the shoulders getting stuck during birth.

While other positions may improve maternal comfort or encourage fetal rotation, these effects are secondary to the primary mechanism of widening the pelvic outlet. Maternal comfort, while important for the laboring woman, does not directly relate to the anatomical changes that help prevent shoulder dystocia. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the crucial interaction between maternal positioning and the anatomical considerations during delivery.