Question

A 29-year-old G1P0 woman at 28 weeks gestation who is the wife of basketball player is diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Her mother had a delivery complicated by shoulder dystocia and she is concerned about her own risk. Which of the following is her biggest risk factor for shoulder dystocia?

1) Family history
2) Tall husband
3) Age
4) Gestational diabetes
5) Parity

Answer 1

The greatest risk factor for shoulder dystocia in a gestationally diabetic pregnant woman is her condition of gestational diabetes, which can lead to the delivery of a larger baby, increasing the risk of complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

The biggest risk factor for shoulder dystocia in a pregnant woman with gestational diabetes is her condition of gestational diabetes itself. While a tall husband (presumably indicating the potential for a larger baby), advanced maternal age, parity, and family history may contribute to the risk, gestational diabetes significantly increases the likelihood of delivering a larger baby, which can lead to complications such as shoulder dystocia during delivery. Additionally, hypertension and/or diabetes are known to increase the risk of various pregnancy and delivery complications, alongside other lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and tobacco use.