Description: This medical illustration depicts the mechanism of shoulder dystocia, or brachial plexus injury, during a vaginal delivery. It features a mid-sagittal view of the mother's pelvis and abdomen and shows the birth of a baby with it's shoulder trapped by the pubic symphysis. The fetal head has been delivered but the one shoulder is stuck and cannot be delivered. The brachial plexus is highlighted in red to indicate the area of injury.

Last Updated: Mar 5th, 2020