What are two primary maneuvers for managing shoulder dystocia?

The correct answer highlights two key maneuvers for managing shoulder dystocia: the McRoberts maneuver and posterior arm delivery.

The McRoberts maneuver involves positioning the mother’s legs in a flexed and abducted position, which opens the pelvis wider and can help to dislodge the impacted shoulder from behind the pubic bone. This repositioning is crucial because it can significantly alter the angle of the pelvis and decrease the obstruction.

Posterior arm delivery entails reaching into the birth canal to grasp the fetal arm and bringing it forward across the chest, effectively reducing the shoulder’s transverse diameter. This maneuver has the potential to reduce the shoulder dystocia by allowing the posterior shoulder to slip free from the pubic symphysis.

Together, these maneuvers are among the first-line interventions taught to manage shoulder dystocia effectively in delivery scenarios. The correct choice underscores the importance of these specific techniques in promoting successful resolution during obstetric emergencies.