The RCOG adapted Resnick's (1980) definition
and state that shoulder dystocia is defined as 'vaginal
cephalic delivery that requires additional obstetric
manoeuvres to deliver the fetus afrer the head has
delivered and gentle traction has failed' (RCOG,
2012: 2). Despite this clear definition being accepted
for many years, shoulder dystocia is under-reported.
When discussing management of shoulder dystocia,
students anecdotally report that midwives often
refer to 'difficult delivery of the shoulders' that
resolves with the use of the McRoberts position, and
are often reluctant to make the diagnosis of shoulder
dystocia. However, in order to provide safe and