Shoulder dystocia occurs when what occurs during birth?

• A. The baby's head has been born but one shoulder becomes stuck behind the pubic bone
• B. The baby is delivered feet first
• C. An umbilical cord around the neck
• D. Placental abruption

Answer: (A)

Shoulder dystocia is when the head has delivered but one of the shoulders becomes stuck behind the pubic bone. That exactly matches the scenario described, where the head is out and a shoulder remains wedged beneath the pubic arch. The other options describe different birth problems: delivering feet first is a breech birth, an umbilical cord around the neck is a nuchal cord issue, and placental abruption is the placenta detaching prematurely. Recognizing this specific blockage helps guide urgent, targeted maneuvers to free the shoulder and protect both mother and baby.