What is the recurrence rate of shoulder dystocia after experiencing it once?

The recurrence rate of shoulder dystocia after a previous episode is indeed reported to be in the range of 10-16.7%. This statistic is significant for obstetricians and healthcare providers as it underscores the importance of careful monitoring and management in subsequent pregnancies for women who have previously experienced shoulder dystocia.

Shoulder dystocia is a complication that occurs during labor when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother's pelvic bone after the head has been delivered. Factors contributing to the incidence and recurrence include maternal obesity, larger fetal size, and gestational diabetes, among others.

The understanding of this range allows medical professionals to counsel patients effectively about the risks involved in future pregnancies and to develop a tailored birth plan that may involve careful monitoring or potential interventions, such as a planned cesarean section, depending on the individual case.