What is a key sign of shoulder dystocia during delivery?

A key sign of shoulder dystocia during delivery is the turtle sign. This phenomenon occurs when, after the head is delivered, it retracts back toward the perineum instead of continuing onward through the birth canal. This retraction, resembling the head of a turtle pulling back into its shell, is indicative of the shoulders becoming lodged behind the pubic bone, which is the hallmark of shoulder dystocia.

Recognizing the turtle sign is critical for healthcare providers as it allows for immediate intervention strategies to be implemented to facilitate the safe delivery of the baby. Prompt recognition of this sign can help prevent potential complications for both the mother and the infant, such as asphyxia or injury to the brachial plexus.

Understanding the turtle sign is essential, especially in scenarios where the delivery deviates from the expected course. The other mentioned symptoms, such as fetal bradycardia or meconium-stained amniotic fluid, may signify other complications but do not specifically indicate shoulder dystocia. Increased uterine tone can also be observed in various obstetric situations but is not specifically characteristic of shoulder dystocia.