Which of the following is a common risk factor for shoulder dystocia?

Maternal obesity is recognized as a common risk factor for shoulder dystocia. This is primarily due to the increased size of the fetus associated with maternal obesity, which can lead to a larger fetal shoulder circumference. When the shoulders are larger, there is a higher likelihood that they may become stuck behind the pubic symphysis during delivery. Additionally, obesity can contribute to other complications that might complicate labor and delivery, further increasing the risk of shoulder dystocia.

In contrast, while high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake, and a history of previous cesarean sections are associated with certain pregnancy complications, they are not directly linked to an increased incidence of shoulder dystocia in the same way maternal obesity is. Therefore, recognizing maternal obesity as a critical risk factor helps healthcare providers anticipate and manage potential shoulder dystocia scenarios during childbirth.