Shoulder presentation

Shoulder Presentation

Shoulder presentation (pronunciation: /ˈʃoʊldər ˌprɛzənˈteɪʃən/) refers to a specific type of malpresentation in obstetrics, where the fetus is positioned with its shoulder as the leading part in the birth canal during childbirth. This is a rare and potentially dangerous situation, as it can lead to complications such as shoulder dystocia or birth injury.

Etymology

The term "shoulder presentation" is derived from the English words "shoulder", referring to the upper joint of the human arm and the part of the body between this and the neck, and "presentation", which in the context of childbirth refers to the part of the fetus that is leading in the birth canal.

Related Terms

Malpresentation: Any position of the fetus in the uterus that can cause complications during childbirth.
Obstetrics: The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.
Fetus: An unborn offspring of a mammal, in particular, an unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception.
Birth Canal: The passageway through which a fetus travels during birth, which includes the uterus, cervix, and vagina.
Childbirth: The process of delivering a baby and the placenta, membranes, and umbilical cord from the uterus to the vagina to the outside world.
Shoulder Dystocia: A specific case of obstructed labour whereby after the delivery of the head, the anterior shoulder of the infant cannot pass below, or requires significant manipulation to pass below, the pubic symphysis.
Birth Injury: Structural damage or functional impairment in the newborn due to the birth process.