Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency that sometimes occurs during childbirth. It happens when the baby’s shoulders become stuck in the mother’s pelvis during delivery, preventing it from emerging head first. This complication can lead to severe injury or death for both the baby and the mother if treated improperly or not at all. It is important for expectant parents to know about shoulder dystocia and its risks before giving birth to help reduce the chances of it occurring.
How Common is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a rare but serious complication that affects anywhere from 0.2% to 3% of all births. Certain factors can increase a woman’s risk of experiencing shoulder dystocia during labor. These factors include:
- Having had a previous shoulder dystocia delivery
- Carrying twins or triplets
- Being over the age of 35
- Diabetes, especially if it is not well managed during pregnancy
- Obesity or excessive weight gain during pregnancy
- Giving birth to a large baby (more than 9 pounds)
- Excessive amniotic fluid
How is Shoulder Dystocia Treated?
Shoulder dystocia can be treated in a variety of ways depending on the severity of the situation. In most cases, an obstetrician will attempt to deliver the baby via manual maneuvers or by using instruments such as forceps or a vacuum extractor. In some cases, an emergency c-section may be needed to prevent further injury to the baby and mother.
The Complications of Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia can cause several complications for the baby and mother, including damage to the brachial plexus nerves, a fractured clavicle or humerus, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), birth asphyxia, and an increased risk of stillbirth. In some cases, the complications of shoulder dystocia may be caused by medical negligence or malpractice. If you believe that you or your baby have been affected by medical negligence related to shoulder dystocia, it is important to consult with a qualified shoulder dystocia lawyer as soon as possible.
The Outlook for Babies Born with Shoulder Dystocia
While the complications of shoulder dystocia can be serious, most babies make a full recovery with no long-term effects. In extreme cases, however, babies may be left with physical impairments or cognitive delays due to injury to the brain during delivery. Some babies may also have restricted use of their affected limbs and/or have trouble with fine motor skills. Luckily, in 90% of these cases, the child’s injuries usually improve by the time they are 12 months old.
Shoulder dystocia is a rare but serious complication that can occur during childbirth. While it is important for expectant parents to be aware of the risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia, it is also important to know that, in most cases, babies born with shoulder dystocia make a full recovery. However, if you or your baby have been affected by medical negligence related to shoulder dystocia, it is important to consult with a qualified shoulder dystocia lawyer. With the right care and attention, most babies born with shoulder dystocia have a positive outlook for the future.
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