What should be the provider's priority in a case of suspected shoulder dystocia?

In a situation where shoulder dystocia is suspected, the priority for the healthcare provider should be to apply suprapubic pressure and call for assistance. This is critical because shoulder dystocia occurs when the fetal shoulder gets stuck on the maternal pelvic bone during delivery, posing significant risks to both the mother and the baby if not addressed promptly and effectively.

Applying suprapubic pressure helps to maneuver the shoulder out from behind the pubic bone, which can be a crucial first step in resolving the issue. This method is generally non-invasive and can often be effective in alleviating the obstructive position. Immediate action in calling for assistance is equally important, as managing shoulder dystocia often requires a coordinated effort from multiple healthcare professionals with varying skills and training to tackle the complexities and potential complications involved.

While immediate delivery of the fetus is indeed a goal, in the case of shoulder dystocia, simply attempting to deliver the fetus without addressing the specific mechanical issue can increase the risk of harm to both the mother and infant. Performing an episiotomy is not standard practice in this situation as it doesn’t directly address the shoulder dystocia, and assessing for maternal fractures is not an immediate priority in the context of resolving a delivery complication where quick actions are needed.