[2][1] Complications for the mother may include increased risk of vaginal or perineal tears, postpartum bleeding, or uterine rupture.

[3][1] Risk factors include gestational diabetes, previous history of the condition, operative vaginal delivery, obesity in the mother, an overly large baby, and epidural anesthesia.

[1] One characteristic of a minority of shoulder dystocia deliveries is the turtle sign, which involves the retraction of the fetal chin back into the vagina after the head is delivered.

[11] Instead, they suggest making a careful delivery plan based on medical details, future pregnancy goals, and what the patient prefers.

[14] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend delivery before 39 weeks unless medically indicated, and discourages inducing labor just because macrosomia is suspected, regardless of how far along the pregnancy is.

[11] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends considering elective C-sections for women without diabetes if their baby is estimated to weigh at least 5,000 g, and for women with diabetes if their baby is estimated to weigh at least 4,500 g.[11] Practicing with obstetric simulations is a helpful way for health care providers to prepare for shoulder dystocia as it is a rare but serious event.

[18] The Royal College of Obstetrician and Gynecologist recommends recording:[9] Shoulder dystocia occurs in approximately 0.2% to 3% of vaginal births and can happen to anyone.