Determining factors associated with shoulder dystocia: a population-based study

Objective: The study was aimed to define obstetric factors associated with shoulder dystocia. Methods: A population-based study comparing all singleton, vertex, term deliveries with shoulder dystocia with deliveries without shoulder dystocia was performed. Statistical analysis was done using multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Shoulder dystocia complicated 0.2% (n = 245) of all deliveries included in the study (n = 107965). Independent risk factors for shoulder dystocia in a multivariable analysis were birth-weight ≥4000 g (OR = 24.3; 95% CI 18.5–31.8), vacuum delivery (OR = 5.7, 95% CI 3.4–9.5), diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–2.5) and lack of prenatal care (OR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.1–2.3). A significant linear association was found between birth-weight and shoulder dystocia, using the Mantel–Haenszel procedure. Pregnancies complicated with shoulder dystocia had higher rates of third-degree perineal tears as compared to the comparison group (0.8% versus 0.1%; P < 0.001). Similarly, perinatal mortality was higher among newborns delivered after shoulder dystocia as compared to the comparison group (3.7% versus 0.5%; OR = 7.4, 95% CI 3.5–14.9, P < 0.001). In addition, these newborns had higher rates of Apgar scores lower than 7 at 1 and 5 min as compared to newborns delivered without shoulder dystocia (29.7% versus 3.0%; OR = 13.8, 95% CI 10.3–18.4, P < 0.001 and 2.1% versus 0.3%; OR = 7.2, 95% CI 2.8–18.1, P < 0.001, respectively). Combining risk factors such as large for gestational age, diabetes mellitus and vacuum delivery increased the risk for shoulder dystocia to 6.8% (OR = 32.6, 95% CI 10.1–105.8, P < 0.001). Conclusions: Independent factors associated with shoulder dystocia were birth-weight ≥4000 g, vacuum delivery, diabetes mellitus and lack of prenatal care.