A pregnant woman who’s in labor likely expects an uneventful experience when she goes to the hospital to have her baby. This happens in most cases, but it’s also possible that problems will plague the labor and delivery.
One issue that may occur is shoulder dystocia. This can be a life-threatening condition because it can prevent the baby from being delivered normally. The issue is that the baby’s shoulder becomes lodged in the birth canal behind the mother’s pelvic bone.
Can shoulder dystocia be prevented?
There’s no way to prevent shoulder dystocia and no indication of when it may occur. While the condition is considered rare, it’s slightly more common with larger babies. It’s diagnosed during delivery when the baby’s head is delivered but then pulls back some. If one minute elapses between the delivery of the head and the rest of the baby’s body while the head is pulling back in, the doctor may recognize the situation as shoulder dystocia.
What are the risks of shoulder dystocia?
The mother and the baby both face risks related to shoulder dystocia. Uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, perineal tearing and a separation of pubic bones can affect the mother. The baby may suffer from brachial plexus palsy, fractures or a compressed umbilical cord. An oxygen reduction and reduced blood flow to the baby can lead to death or serious brain injuries.
Doctors can use certain maneuvers to help deliver the baby, but time is critical. If the mother or baby suffers harm because of inaction by the medical team, a medical malpractice claim may be in order. Working with someone who can assist with getting the case together is beneficial. There are specific time limits for this, so swift action is critical.