Maternity Heartbeat Monitor Related

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What is the most common cause of shoulder dystocia during delivery?

  • A. fetal macrosomia
  • B. maternal obesity
  • C. maternal diabetes
  • D. advanced maternal age
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: fetal macrosomia. Fetal macrosomia, defined as a birth weight above 4 kg, is the most common cause of shoulder dystocia during delivery. This occurs when the baby's shoulders get stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone, leading to complications. Macrosomia is more likely in pregnancies with gestational diabetes, maternal obesity, and advanced maternal age, but the primary risk factor for shoulder dystocia is fetal macrosomia due to the large size of the baby. Maternal obesity, diabetes, and advanced age are secondary risk factors that can contribute to the likelihood of shoulder dystocia but are not the primary cause.