What is the primary objective of the McRobert's Maneuver in shoulder dystocia management?

What is the primary objective of the McRobert's Maneuver in shoulder dystocia management?

• A. Hyperflexion of the hips against the abdomen to change the pelvis–spine relationship
• B. Extension of the legs to widen the pelvic outlet
• C. Internal rotation of the fetal shoulders by pressure on the pubic symphysis
• D. Applying suprapubic pressure to rotate the fetal head

Answer: (A)

The main idea behind this maneuver is to increase the size of the birth canal by changing the way the pelvis and spine align. By sharply flexing the mother’s hips up toward her abdomen, the lumbosacral angle is straightened and the pelvic outlet opens up in the anterior-posterior dimension. This added space helps the impacted anterior fetal shoulder to pass under the pubic symphysis, making it easier to disengage the shoulder without applying force to rotate the head. It does not involve extending the legs, does not rely on rotating the shoulders with pressure on the pubic symphysis, and although suprapubic pressure may be used in conjunction, the primary aim here is widening the pelvis by altering the pelvis–spine relationship.

The main idea behind this maneuver is to increase the size of the birth canal by changing the way the pelvis and spine align. By sharply flexing the mother’s hips up toward her abdomen, the lumbosacral angle is straightened and the pelvic outlet opens up in the anterior-posterior dimension. This added space helps the impacted anterior fetal shoulder to pass under the pubic symphysis, making it easier to disengage the shoulder without applying force to rotate the head. It does not involve extending the legs, does not rely on rotating the shoulders with pressure on the pubic symphysis, and although suprapubic pressure may be used in conjunction, the primary aim here is widening the pelvis by altering the pelvis–spine relationship.