During shoulder dystocia birth, the mother should position herself to relieve the obstruction?

• A. Lying on left side
• B. Standing upright
• C. Knees to chest
• D. Lying on back

Answer: (C)

When a shoulder gets stuck, the aim is to change the shape and space of the birth canal to free the obstructing shoulder. Bringing the mother’s knees to her chest (hip flexion with the thighs drawn up) is the most effective initial maneuver. This position straightens the lower spine and increases the size of the pelvic inlet and outlet, giving more room for the fetus to rotate and slide the shoulder past the pubic symphysis. It often frees the shoulder without additional interventions and is the standard first step in managing this obstetric emergency.

Other positions don’t optimize pelvic dimensions in the same way: lying flat or on the back can reduce available space and can worsen the obstruction, while standing upright or lying on the side doesn’t provide the same mechanical advantage to the pelvis.