American journal of obstetrics and gynecology
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Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. · Sep 2006
The relationship of fetal position and ethnicity with shoulder dystocia and birth injury.
The objective of this study was to examine factors associated with the occurrence of shoulder dystocia and subsequent perinatal outcomes. ⋯ Overall African American women have an increased risk of shoulder dystocia, but their neonates are not more likely to experience birth injury. Although occiput posterior position has a protective effect for shoulder dystocia, the risk of brachial plexus injury is increased in the setting of a persistent occiput posterior delivery. These factors should be used to consider a patient's prospective risk for shoulder dystocia and associated outcomes.