If you can't push the baby out the doctor will often attempt using forceps or a vacuum extractor or even perform a Cesarean section to deliver the baby safely.
Prolonged pushing to deliver a baby without any progress can increase risks for both the baby and mother, which can include oxygen deprivation to the baby and other complications for the mother.
When a baby gets stuck during birth it's called shoulder dystocia which occurs when one or both of the baby's shoulders become trapped behind the mother's pelvic bone during delivery.
Obstructed labor is another term for when a baby gets stuck during birth.
When a baby is stuck during birth it's a medical emergency as it can restrict the oxygen supply to the baby.
Shoulder dystocia during birth or when a baby gets stuck during birth often happens when the baby is large or is positioned incorrectly during delivery.
Turtling during birth is also known as shoulder dystocia which is an obstetric emergency which occurs when a baby's shoulder gets stuck during birth.
During a turtling birth the baby's head appears and then retreats back into the birth canal and is similar to a turtle's head going in and out of a turtle shell.
Other symptoms of a turtling birth are the baby's shoulders may not emerge after the baby's head has been delivered and the baby may also have a puffy and red face.
Turtling during birth or shoulder dystocia can be caused by several things which include.
The mother's position limiting the room in the pelvis.
The pelvic opening being too small.
The baby being in the wrong position.
Shoulder dystocia or a turtling birth can lead to.
Brain damage or death from lack of oxygen.
Birth injuries like nerve damage or tears.
And postpartum hemorrhage or bleeding.
Treatment and quick action is essential to free the baby's shoulder which is often done using gentle downward traction to guide the baby out of the birth canal.
Shoulder dystocia or turtling during birth occurs in around 0.15 percent to 4 percent of vaginal births.