ABSTRACT
To study the problem of shoulder dystocia regarding fetal and maternal features and its complications. A retrospective study of the records of 64,800 deliveries that occurred in the period between 1979 and 1997 was carried out. The study was conducted at the Obstetric and Gynecology Department at Prince Hashem Ben AI-Hussein Hospital, Zarqa, Royal Medical Services. Patients were divided into two groups:- those before and those after 1989. The frequency of shoulder dystocia was calculated for both groups. Maternal characteristics and fetal morbidity were compared in both groups. A total of 250 cases of shoulder dystocia were encountered. Whereas 231 cases of shoulder dystocia out of 28000 deliveries [0.825%] were found in the period 1979 through 1989, only 19 cases out of 36800 deliveries [0.051%] were reported in the period 1989 through 1997. The frequency of shoulder dystocia dropped from 0.825% to 0.051%. Shoulder dystocia represents an obstetric emergency because it holds a very high perinatal and maternal morbidity. The warning signs of shoulder dystocia should be taken seriously and the best method of delivery for each patient should be selected to avoid its occurrence anti to manage it quickly and properly should it occur