Sonographic Examination of The Fetus Vis-à-Vis Shoulder Dystocia: A Vexing Promise.
Since antepartum and intrapartum risk factors are poor at identifying women whose labor is complicated by shoulder dystocia, sonographic examination of the fetus holds promise. Though there are several measurements of biometric parameters to identify the parturient who will have shoulder dystocia, none are currently clinically useful. Three national guidelines confirm that sonographic measurements do not serve as appropriate diagnostic tests to identify women who will have shoulder dystocia with or without concurrent injury. In summary, biometric measurements of the fetus should not be used to alter clinical management with the aim of averting shoulder dystocia.
*Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint Peter's University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey †Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Houston Methodist Hospital ‡Department of Obstetrics, Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas.
Morgen S
MS
Doty
Leen
L
Al-Hafez
Suneet P
SP
Chauhan
D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004420:Dystocia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005320:Fetal Macrosomia; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012782:Shoulder; D016216:Ultrasonography, Prenatal