What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is a medical condition that occurs during childbirth when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. This happens when the baby’s head has been delivered but the shoulders are too wide to pass through the birth canal. It is a potentially dangerous complication that requires an emergency response from medical personnel. It can lead to serious complications like nerve damage or even death of the baby if not detected and treated quickly. Fortunately, it is relatively rare, affecting less than one percent of all births in the United States.

Shoulder Dystocia is considered a medical emergency because it can lead to serious birth injuries for both the mother and the baby, including nerve damage, bone fractures, and brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. Risk factors for Shoulder Dystocia may include a large baby, maternal obesity, gestational diabetes, a prolonged second stage of labor, and certain labor-inducing drugs.

To manage Shoulder Dystocia, healthcare providers may use specific maneuvers to help free the baby’s shoulders, such as McRoberts Maneuver, suprapubic pressure, or the Woods Corkscrew Maneuver. Sometimes, an emergency c-section may be necessary to deliver the baby safely.

Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder Dystocia

Medical Negligence Can Be the Reason Behind Shoulder Dystocia in Your Child

Medical negligence can contribute to the occurrence of Shoulder Dystocia during childbirth. Healthcare providers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby during the delivery process. When healthcare providers breach this duty of care, it can result in medical negligence and lead to serious birth injuries, including Shoulder Dystocia.

Some examples of medical negligence that may lead to Shoulder Dystocia include:

  1. Failure to monitor fetal distress during labor and delivery
  2. Improper use of labor-inducing drugs, such as Pitocin
  3. Failure to recognize and respond to signs of fetal distress
  4. Failure to identify or address risk factors for Shoulder Dystocia, such as maternal obesity or gestational diabetes
  5. Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery

If medical negligence is suspected as a cause of Shoulder Dystocia, it is important to seek legal advice from a medical malpractice attorney. A legal professional can help determine if there was a breach of duty of care and if the healthcare

Prognosis of Shoulder Dystocia

The prognosis of Shoulder Dystocia depends on the severity of the condition and the promptness of the medical intervention. If Shoulder Dystocia is promptly recognized and managed, the prognosis for the baby and the mother is generally good. However, if Shoulder Dystocia is not managed appropriately, it can lead to serious birth injuries that may have long-lasting effects on the baby and the mother.

  • For the baby, the prognosis may include nerve damage, bone fractures, and brain damage due to oxygen deprivation. These injuries can cause long-term disabilities and may require ongoing medical care.
  • For the mother, the prognosis may include pelvic floor disorders such as urinary and fecal incontinence, sexual dysfunction, and pelvic organ prolapse. These conditions can also have a significant impact on the mother’s quality of life and may require ongoing medical management.

It is important to note that every case of Shoulder Dystocia is unique, and the prognosis can vary depending on the individual circumstances. If you suspect that you or your baby have suffered

Treatment of Shoulder Dystocia

The treatment of Shoulder Dystocia typically involves prompt recognition of the condition and the implementation of appropriate maneuvers to release the baby’s shoulder and facilitate delivery. Some common techniques used to manage Shoulder Dystocia include:

  1. McRoberts Maneuver: This involves flexing the mother’s thighs sharply onto her abdomen to help straighten the pelvic angle and facilitate delivery.
  2. Suprapubic Pressure: This involves applying firm pressure to the mother’s abdomen just above the pubic bone to help dislodge the baby’s shoulder.
  3. Rubin’s Maneuver: This involves applying pressure to the baby’s posterior shoulder to help rotate the baby and facilitate delivery.
  4. Woods’ Screw Maneuver: This involves rotating the baby’s head 180 degrees to help dislodge the baby’s shoulder.
  5. Zavanelli Maneuver: This involves delivering the baby’s head back into the birth canal and performing a cesarean section to safely deliver the baby.

Why Should You Consider Hiring a Birth Injury Lawyer?

Shoulder dystocia is a serious and potentially dangerous medical condition that occurs during childbirth. It is important to take legal help if your child has suffered from this medical condition. A birth injury lawyer can provide the necessary guidance and assistance in filing a lawsuit against the responsible parties. They can also help you get the compensation you deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial losses incurred due to shoulder dystocia. With their expertise and experience in handling such cases, they can ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Get connected to a birth injury lawyer at Pacific Attorney Group today. Call us now, we will resolve your queries and lead you in the right direction.