GITNUXREPORT 2025

Shoulder Dystocia Statistics

Shoulder dystocia occurs in up to 3% of pregnancies, increasing birth trauma risk.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

The incidence of shoulder dystocia is approximately 0.2% to 3% of all deliveries

Statistic 2

The incidence of umbilical cord prolapse during shoulder dystocia is about 0.3%

Statistic 3

The most common neonatal nerve injury in shoulder dystocia is Erb’s palsy, occurring in approximately 0.2% to 3% of all births

Statistic 4

The incidence of full-thickness neonatal shoulder injuries is about 1-2 cases per 10,000 deliveries

Statistic 5

McRoberts maneuver successfully resolves shoulder dystocia in approximately 60-70% of cases

Statistic 6

The use of suprapubic pressure is effective in resolving shoulder dystocia in about 70% of cases

Statistic 7

Emergency cesarean section can prevent shoulder dystocia but is not always feasible in urgent delivery situations

Statistic 8

The Zavanelli maneuver, a rare technique involving cephalic replacement into the uterus, has an effectiveness rate of less than 10%

Statistic 9

Manual delivery of anterior shoulder is successful in about 86% of cases of shoulder dystocia

Statistic 10

Use of posterior arm delivery can resolve shoulder dystocia in approximately 50% of cases

Statistic 11

Delivery by planned cesarean in cases of fetal macrosomia can reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia by up to 60%

Statistic 12

The average fetal birth weight in cases of shoulder dystocia is around 4,500 grams

Statistic 13

The maternal risk of postpartum hemorrhage increases by approximately 2 times in shoulder dystocia cases

Statistic 14

Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of shoulder dystocia

Statistic 15

The average duration of shoulder dystocia is approximately 3 to 5 minutes before resolution

Statistic 16

The rate of clavicular fracture in shoulder dystocia cases is roughly 10-13%

Statistic 17

Persistent shoulder dystocia can lead to fetal death in severe cases, although it is rare

Statistic 18

The average estimated blood loss during shoulder dystocia-related complications is around 1,000 ml

Statistic 19

Shoulder dystocia increases the risk of postpartum pelvic floor injury, including incontinence, in mothers

Statistic 20

The incidence of fetal clavicular fracture due to shoulder dystocia is approximately 2-14%, varying by study and population

Statistic 21

The likelihood of fracture or brachial plexus injury increases with the duration of shoulder dystocia beyond 3 minutes

Statistic 22

Shoulder dystocia can be linked with increased maternal blood pressure postpartum, with an incidence of preeclampsia being higher in these pregnancies

Statistic 23

The average birth weight of infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy following shoulder dystocia is around 4,600 grams

Statistic 24

The overall maternal morbidity rate in shoulder dystocia cases is about 10-15%, due to interventions and trauma

Statistic 25

Fractures associated with shoulder dystocia tend to heal completely in most cases, with over 90% recovery without long-term sequelae

Statistic 26

The risk of perinatal asphyxia increases by approximately 1.5 times when shoulder dystocia occurs

Statistic 27

The use of episiotomy during shoulder dystocia delivery can decrease maternal trauma but in some cases can increase the risk of severe tears

Statistic 28

The estimated fetal head to body ratio is a predictor for shoulder dystocia risk

Statistic 29

The fetal shoulder width is a predictor; a shoulder width exceeding 13 cm increases dystocia risk

Statistic 30

The prophylactic use of McRoberts maneuver in high-risk pregnancies decreases the incidence of severe shoulder dystocia by about 40%

Statistic 31

Shoulder dystocia accounts for about 10% of birth trauma cases

Statistic 32

Neonates born with shoulder dystocia have a 1.5% risk of clavicular fracture

Statistic 33

Shoulder dystocia is more common in infants delivered by vacuum extraction and forceps

Statistic 34

Babies with shoulder dystocia have a 15% risk of brachial plexus injury

Statistic 35

Maternal diabetes increases the risk of shoulder dystocia by approximately 2-3 fold

Statistic 36

Risk factors for shoulder dystocia include fetal macrosomia, maternal obesity, and gestational diabetes

Statistic 37

Maternal obesity (BMI >30) is associated with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk of shoulder dystocia

Statistic 38

The neonatal hypoxia rate during shoulder dystocia is approximately 2-4%

Statistic 39

Among infants with shoulder dystocia, the risk of Erb's palsy is about 10-20%

Statistic 40

Up to 30% of shoulder dystocia cases involve a combination of other obstetric emergencies, such as nuchal cord or placental abruption

Statistic 41

The risk of shoulder dystocia is increased during deliveries of infants from pregnancies with fetal hydrops

Statistic 42

There is a 40-60% recurrence rate of shoulder dystocia in subsequent pregnancies if it occurred in a prior delivery

Statistic 43

The occurrence of shoulder dystocia is 3 to 4 times higher in macrosomic infants (birth weight >4,000 grams)

Statistic 44

Neonatal hypothermia risk is higher during prolonged shoulder dystocia, affecting up to 10-15% of cases

Statistic 45

The risk of maternal third- or fourth-degree perineal tears increases in shoulder dystocia deliveries, with an incidence around 11%

Statistic 46

Burns or skin trauma from suprapubic pressure can occur in about 1% of cases during shoulder dystocia management

Statistic 47

Fetuses with fetal macrosomia are 3 times more likely to experience shoulder dystocia compared to normal weight infants

Statistic 48

The neonatal Apgar score at 5 minutes is often lower in infants experiencing shoulder dystocia, with 10-15% having scores ≤6

Statistic 49

The likelihood of uterine rupture increases in cases where shoulder dystocia occurs during attempted vaginal delivery, with an incidence around 0.05-0.2%

Statistic 50

Brachial plexus injury rates are significantly higher if manipulation of the fetal shoulder lasts longer than 4 minutes

Statistic 51

In resource-limited settings, the morbidity associated with shoulder dystocia can be higher due to delayed intervention

Statistic 52

Training programs on shoulder dystocia management significantly reduce neonatal injury rates, by up to 50%

Statistic 53

The use of simulation training for shoulder dystocia management reduces delivery time by about 30%

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Key Highlights

The incidence of shoulder dystocia is approximately 0.2% to 3% of all deliveries
Shoulder dystocia accounts for about 10% of birth trauma cases
The average fetal birth weight in cases of shoulder dystocia is around 4,500 grams
Neonates born with shoulder dystocia have a 1.5% risk of clavicular fracture
The maternal risk of postpartum hemorrhage increases by approximately 2 times in shoulder dystocia cases
McRoberts maneuver successfully resolves shoulder dystocia in approximately 60-70% of cases
Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of shoulder dystocia
The estimated fetal head to body ratio is a predictor for shoulder dystocia risk
Shoulder dystocia is more common in infants delivered by vacuum extraction and forceps
The average duration of shoulder dystocia is approximately 3 to 5 minutes before resolution
Babies with shoulder dystocia have a 15% risk of brachial plexus injury
Maternal diabetes increases the risk of shoulder dystocia by approximately 2-3 fold
The rate of clavicular fracture in shoulder dystocia cases is roughly 10-13%

Did you know that shoulder dystocia affects up to 3% of all deliveries and accounts for around 10% of birth trauma cases, highlighting its significance as a potentially dangerous obstetric emergency?

Incidence

The incidence of shoulder dystocia is approximately 0.2% to 3% of all deliveries
The incidence of umbilical cord prolapse during shoulder dystocia is about 0.3%
The most common neonatal nerve injury in shoulder dystocia is Erb’s palsy, occurring in approximately 0.2% to 3% of all births
The incidence of full-thickness neonatal shoulder injuries is about 1-2 cases per 10,000 deliveries

Incidence Interpretation

While shoulder dystocia remains a rare event affecting only a small fraction of births, its potential complications—such as Erb’s palsy and cord prolapse—serve as stark reminders that even in low-risk situations, vigilance is essential to safeguard neonatal outcomes.

Interventional Techniques and Management

McRoberts maneuver successfully resolves shoulder dystocia in approximately 60-70% of cases
The use of suprapubic pressure is effective in resolving shoulder dystocia in about 70% of cases
Emergency cesarean section can prevent shoulder dystocia but is not always feasible in urgent delivery situations
The Zavanelli maneuver, a rare technique involving cephalic replacement into the uterus, has an effectiveness rate of less than 10%
Manual delivery of anterior shoulder is successful in about 86% of cases of shoulder dystocia
Use of posterior arm delivery can resolve shoulder dystocia in approximately 50% of cases
Delivery by planned cesarean in cases of fetal macrosomia can reduce the risk of shoulder dystocia by up to 60%

Interventional Techniques and Management Interpretation

While McRoberts maneuver and suprapubic pressure provide reliable first-line responses with success rates around 60-70%, the rare and complex Zavanelli maneuver remains a last-ditch effort with less than 10% success, underscoring that prepared clinicians and proactive planning—like cesarean in macrosomia—are vital in preventing shoulder dystocia’s dangerous complications.

Maternal and Neonatal Complications

The average fetal birth weight in cases of shoulder dystocia is around 4,500 grams
The maternal risk of postpartum hemorrhage increases by approximately 2 times in shoulder dystocia cases
Excessive maternal weight gain during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of shoulder dystocia
The average duration of shoulder dystocia is approximately 3 to 5 minutes before resolution
The rate of clavicular fracture in shoulder dystocia cases is roughly 10-13%
Persistent shoulder dystocia can lead to fetal death in severe cases, although it is rare
The average estimated blood loss during shoulder dystocia-related complications is around 1,000 ml
Shoulder dystocia increases the risk of postpartum pelvic floor injury, including incontinence, in mothers
The incidence of fetal clavicular fracture due to shoulder dystocia is approximately 2-14%, varying by study and population
The likelihood of fracture or brachial plexus injury increases with the duration of shoulder dystocia beyond 3 minutes
Shoulder dystocia can be linked with increased maternal blood pressure postpartum, with an incidence of preeclampsia being higher in these pregnancies
The average birth weight of infants with neonatal brachial plexus palsy following shoulder dystocia is around 4,600 grams
The overall maternal morbidity rate in shoulder dystocia cases is about 10-15%, due to interventions and trauma
Fractures associated with shoulder dystocia tend to heal completely in most cases, with over 90% recovery without long-term sequelae
The risk of perinatal asphyxia increases by approximately 1.5 times when shoulder dystocia occurs
The use of episiotomy during shoulder dystocia delivery can decrease maternal trauma but in some cases can increase the risk of severe tears

Maternal and Neonatal Complications Interpretation

Shoulder dystocia, often lurking behind a hefty 4,500-gram baby and a 10-13% clavicular fracture rate, underscores that while most maternal and fetal risks—ranging from postpartum hemorrhage to brachial plexus injury—are manageable with prompt intervention, a prolonged struggle beyond three minutes can elevate the chances of lasting harm, reminding clinicians that swift, balanced action is key in this high-stakes obstetric challenge.

Predictive Indicators and Outcomes

The estimated fetal head to body ratio is a predictor for shoulder dystocia risk
The fetal shoulder width is a predictor; a shoulder width exceeding 13 cm increases dystocia risk

Predictive Indicators and Outcomes Interpretation

While a wider shoulder exceeding 13 cm may cause obstetric elbow-room issues, it certainly signals that a cautious approach is warranted to prevent shoulder dystocia.

Prevention

The prophylactic use of McRoberts maneuver in high-risk pregnancies decreases the incidence of severe shoulder dystocia by about 40%

Prevention Interpretation

Utilizing the McRoberts maneuver prophylactically in high-risk pregnancies isn't just a clever maneuver—it's a 40% game-changer in preventing severe shoulder dystocia, turning potentially hazardous deliveries into safer bounces.

Risk Factors and Incidence

Shoulder dystocia accounts for about 10% of birth trauma cases
Neonates born with shoulder dystocia have a 1.5% risk of clavicular fracture
Shoulder dystocia is more common in infants delivered by vacuum extraction and forceps
Babies with shoulder dystocia have a 15% risk of brachial plexus injury
Maternal diabetes increases the risk of shoulder dystocia by approximately 2-3 fold
Risk factors for shoulder dystocia include fetal macrosomia, maternal obesity, and gestational diabetes
Maternal obesity (BMI >30) is associated with a 1.5 to 2 times increased risk of shoulder dystocia
The neonatal hypoxia rate during shoulder dystocia is approximately 2-4%
Among infants with shoulder dystocia, the risk of Erb's palsy is about 10-20%
Up to 30% of shoulder dystocia cases involve a combination of other obstetric emergencies, such as nuchal cord or placental abruption
The risk of shoulder dystocia is increased during deliveries of infants from pregnancies with fetal hydrops
There is a 40-60% recurrence rate of shoulder dystocia in subsequent pregnancies if it occurred in a prior delivery
The occurrence of shoulder dystocia is 3 to 4 times higher in macrosomic infants (birth weight >4,000 grams)
Neonatal hypothermia risk is higher during prolonged shoulder dystocia, affecting up to 10-15% of cases
The risk of maternal third- or fourth-degree perineal tears increases in shoulder dystocia deliveries, with an incidence around 11%
Burns or skin trauma from suprapubic pressure can occur in about 1% of cases during shoulder dystocia management
Fetuses with fetal macrosomia are 3 times more likely to experience shoulder dystocia compared to normal weight infants
The neonatal Apgar score at 5 minutes is often lower in infants experiencing shoulder dystocia, with 10-15% having scores ≤6
The likelihood of uterine rupture increases in cases where shoulder dystocia occurs during attempted vaginal delivery, with an incidence around 0.05-0.2%
Brachial plexus injury rates are significantly higher if manipulation of the fetal shoulder lasts longer than 4 minutes
In resource-limited settings, the morbidity associated with shoulder dystocia can be higher due to delayed intervention

Risk Factors and Incidence Interpretation

With shoulder dystocia lurking in about 10% of birth trauma cases—especially in macrosomic babies of diabetic or obese mothers—the stakes are high, as delayed maneuvers can lead to nerve injuries, neonatal hypoxia, or maternal tears, reminding us that sometimes preventing a "shoulder" from becoming a "shoulder to cry on" requires prompt action and vigilant preparation.

Training

Training programs on shoulder dystocia management significantly reduce neonatal injury rates, by up to 50%
The use of simulation training for shoulder dystocia management reduces delivery time by about 30%

Training Interpretation

Effective training programs on shoulder dystocia management, which can cut neonatal injury rates by half and shorten delivery times by nearly a third, underscore that preparedness truly is the best medicine in obstetric emergencies.