During childbirth, after the baby’s head is delivered, it pulls back toward the perineum like a “turtle sign," suggesting shoulder dystocia. What should be the first maneuver used to manage this emergency?
- AOption (a)
McRoberts maneuver
- BOption (b)
Woods’ screw maneuver
- COption (c)
Applying fundal pressure
- DOption (d)
Zavanelli maneuver
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Correct answer
McRoberts maneuver
Why this answer is correct
Correct Answer: McRoberts maneuver
Rationale:
- The “turtle sign” occurs when the baby’s head retracts back toward the perineum immediately after birth of the head, indicating shoulder dystocia, an obstetric emergency where the anterior shoulder becomes trapped behind the maternal pubic bone.
- The McRoberts maneuver is the recommended first-line intervention because it is simple, safe, and effective. It works by sharply flexing the mother's thighs onto her abdomen, which widens the pelvic outlet and straightens the sacrum, allowing the baby’s shoulder to slip beneath the pubic symphysis.
- This maneuver resolves more than 40–50% of shoulder dystocia cases without the need for additional, more invasive procedures.
- Early and correct use of the McRoberts maneuver reduces maternal and fetal complications such as brachial plexus injury, hypoxia, or postpartum hemorrhage.
- Therefore, upon recognizing the turtle sign, the McRoberts maneuver must be initiated immediately to relieve shoulder impaction safely.
Explanation of Other Options:
Woods’ screw maneuver
- Rationale: This is an internal rotational maneuver used only if McRoberts and suprapubic pressure fail. It rotates the fetal shoulders but is not the first step.
Applying fundal pressure
- Rationale: Fundal pressure is contraindicated in shoulder dystocia because it can worsen impaction and cause severe fetal injury.
Zavanelli maneuver
- Rationale: This involves pushing the fetal head back into the vagina for emergency cesarean section. It is a last-resort, high-risk intervention when all other attempts fail.
Conclusion:
- The presence of a “turtle sign” signals shoulder dystocia. The safest and most effective initial action is the McRoberts maneuver, making it the first step in managing this obstetric emergency.
