In case of shoulder dystocia during delivery, which maternal position is recommended to help alleviate the issue?

In cases of shoulder dystocia during delivery, the recommended maternal position is to lift and hyperflex the thighs. This maneuver is aimed at creating more space in the pelvic cavity to facilitate the passage of the infant's shoulder. By lifting and hyperflexing the thighs, the pelvis is tilted, which can help reduce the angle of the pelvic inlet and provide more room for the baby's shoulder to maneuver past the pubic symphysis.

This technique is particularly effective because it improves the likelihood of resolving the impaction of the shoulder by leveraging gravity and changing the mechanics of the pelvis, thereby enhancing the chances of successful delivery without further intervention.

Other positions, such as turning to the left lateral Sims position, extending both legs, or assuming a seated position, may not address the mechanical issues caused by shoulder dystocia effectively. While different positions might provide comfort or be used in various clinical scenarios, they do not specifically aid in alleviating the dystocia by maximizing the space necessary for the infant’s passage through the birth canal.