Shoulder Dystocia "Diagnosis" and Decision to Section Called "Highly Subjective"

Mary Barton, scientific director of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, said that the diagnosis of shoulder dystocia and the decision to perform a c-section are both “highly subjective.” The task force in May 2008 examined gestational diabetes screening and treatment, concluding that there is insufficient scientific evidence to advise either for or against screening for gestational diabetes. The task force also noted that a majority of the positive screenings are false positives, which increases a woman’s anxiety, but that recommendations for exercise and watching weight gain during pregnancy could be a benefit to all pregnant women. Barton said the task force will review the new study’s findings in more detail to determine if it needs to update its recommendations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that all pregnant women in the U.S. be screened for gestational diabetes.

From Medical News Today. 

Comments

[lara]

Yes! If the overall c-section rate were 10%, women wouldn't think twice about their c-sections being necessary or unnecessary. When one third of women are getting c-sectioned, no one knows for sure if their doctor is full of crap. Medical authority as you called it has shot itself in the foot.

You are all doing the right thing with this site. I read all. the. time. about women who don't know what to do. Doctor says their baby is too big and their pelvis is too small and in the end they don't want to take a chance because they don't want that on their shoulders. It is one of the saddest things I've ever seen.