What immediate action should be taken if shoulder dystocia occurs during delivery?

In the event of shoulder dystocia during delivery, implementing emergency maneuvers is the most critical immediate action. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pubic bone, potentially leading to serious complications for both the mother and the baby if not resolved quickly.

Emergency maneuvers, such as the McRoberts maneuver, suprapubic pressure, or a combination of positions, are designed to relieve the obstruction effectively and swiftly, minimizing the risk of injury to the baby, such as brachial plexus injury, and reducing complications for the mother.

Timely intervention with these techniques is crucial because the longer the baby remains impacted, the higher the chance of adverse outcomes. Therefore, knowing and executing the proper maneuvers allows healthcare providers to act decisively and improve the likelihood of a positive resolution during this critical situation.