Comparing McRoberts' and Rubin's maneuvers for initial management of shoulder dystocia: an objective evaluation.

Objective: This study was undertaken to objectively compare delivery traction force, fetal neck rotation, and brachial plexus elongation after 3 different initial shoulder dystocia maneuvers: McRoberts', anterior Rubin's, and posterior Rubin's.

Study Design: We developed a laboratory birthing simulator comprised of a maternal model with a 3-dimensional bony pelvis, an instrumented fetal model, a force-sensing glove, and a computer-based data acquisition system. A single operator performed 30 simulated shoulder dystocia deliveries using standard downward traction after 1 maneuver was performed.