McRoberts maneuver

The McRoberts maneuver is a medical technique used during childbirth when a baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone, a condition called shoulder dystocia. To perform it, the mother’s legs are flexed sharply upward toward her abdomen, creating a wider pelvic opening. This position helps to reduce the angle of the pelvis and relax the muscles, giving the healthcare provider more room to gently release the baby’s shoulder. It is a safe, non-invasive first step often used to resolve the obstruction quickly and reduce potential complications during delivery.