Childbirth is a complex process, and while most deliveries occur without major complications, some can present unexpected challenges. One such complication is shoulder dystocia, a medical emergency that can pose serious risks to both the baby and the mother. If not handled properly, it can lead to long-term injuries and legal concerns.
If you’ve been impacted by shoulder dystocia and think it could have been avoided, reach out to Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates at (770) 865-8654 today.
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s head passes through the birth canal, but one or both shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This prevents the baby from fully emerging without medical intervention. Though rare, occurring in about 0.2% to 3% of vaginal deliveries, it is considered an obstetric emergency requiring immediate action to prevent serious complications.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may contribute to the likelihood of shoulder dystocia, though it is not always predictable. Some common causes and risk factors include:
- Fetal Macrosomia: A baby weighing more than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (4,000 grams) at birth is at greater risk.
- Maternal Diabetes: Women with gestational or pre-existing diabetes have a higher chance of delivering larger babies.
- Obesity: Excess maternal weight can contribute to complications during delivery.
- Prolonged Labor: Difficult or prolonged labor increases the risk of shoulder dystocia.
- Prior Shoulder Dystocia: A history of shoulder dystocia in previous births raises the likelihood of recurrence.
- Induced Labor: Some methods of labor induction may increase the risk.
Complications of Shoulder Dystocia
When shoulder dystocia occurs, medical professionals must act quickly to deliver the baby safely. However, improper handling of the situation can lead to serious birth injuries, including:
- Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy or Klumpke’s Palsy): Nerve damage affecting the baby’s arm and hand movement.
- Fractures: The baby’s collarbone or arm may break during delivery.
- Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia): If delivery is delayed, the baby may suffer from a lack of oxygen, leading to brain damage or other severe complications.
- Postpartum Hemorrhage: The mother may experience excessive bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
Medical Management and Prevention
Doctors use several maneuvers to resolve shoulder dystocia, such as:
- McRoberts Maneuver: Positioning the mother’s legs higher to widen the pelvis.
- Suprapubic Pressure: Applying pressure above the pubic bone to help dislodge the baby’s shoulder.
- Episiotomy: Making an incision to enlarge the birth canal in some cases.
While not all cases of shoulder dystocia can be prevented, proper prenatal care and risk assessment can help anticipate complications and prepare for safe delivery.
Legal Considerations: Was Medical Negligence Involved?
In some cases, shoulder dystocia leads to serious injuries due to medical negligence. If a doctor or medical team failed to anticipate or properly handle the situation, parents may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Common signs of negligence include:
- Failure to Identify Risk Factors: If a doctor overlooked warning signs, such as fetal macrosomia or maternal diabetes.
- Excessive Force During Delivery: Using improper techniques or excessive force that caused injury.
- Delayed Emergency Intervention: Not acting swiftly in an emergency situation.
If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in your child’s birth injury, consulting with a birth injury attorney can help you explore legal options and seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
Get Legal Help Today
Shoulder dystocia can be a life-altering event for both mother and child. If you or a loved one has experienced a birth injury due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact our experienced legal team to discuss your case. Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates today at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.