What maneuver does a midwife employ for managing shoulder dystocia?

In the context of managing shoulder dystocia during childbirth, the utilization of specific maneuvers to relieve the obstruction is crucial. Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery, which can lead to serious complications if not addressed promptly.

The maneuvers employed, such as the McRoberts maneuver or the suprapubic pressure technique, are designed to facilitate the passage of the baby's shoulders through the birth canal. The McRoberts maneuver involves repositioning the mother by flexing her legs tightly to her abdomen, which can help to straighten the pelvic curve and provide more space for the baby’s shoulders. Suprapubic pressure applies downward force above the pubic bone to help dislodge the obstructed shoulder. These techniques focus on alleviating the mechanical issue causing the shoulder dystocia without resorting to more invasive measures unless absolutely necessary.

In contrast, options like physical restraint or immediate neonatal resuscitation are not the primary approaches for addressing the mechanics of shoulder dystocia, and cesarean sections are typically considered if non-invasive methods fail or if there are other indications.