Shoulder dystocia is a serious birth injury that can lead to damage to the infant’s brachial plexus. When you are delivering vaginally, particularly with a larger baby over eight pounds, one of the things the doctor should be focused on during delivery is making sure that the shoulders pass through the vaginal canal.

Occasionally, one shoulder will become stuck, and if the doctor uses too much force in trying to deliver that baby, it can cause injury to the brachial plexus. This nerve damage can cause that arm to not be as functional as someone who has not had that injury.

Unfortunately, when one of those injuries has occurred, the child will likely have a less functional arm for the remainder of his or her life. So these cases are very, very serious because they lead to permanent disability in those patients. If your child has suffered a shoulder dystocia or other birth injury, call Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation with a birth injury lawyer to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

What Is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency that occurs when one or both of the baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery. This complication happens after the baby’s head has been delivered, but the shoulders are unable to pass through the birth canal. It is a rare but serious condition, and it requires immediate intervention to prevent injury to both the baby and the mother.

In a normal delivery, the baby’s body follows the head after birth. However, in shoulder dystocia, the anterior shoulder (the one facing the mother’s front) becomes stuck under the pubic bone, making it difficult for the rest of the baby to be delivered. The condition can lead to complications for the baby, such as nerve damage or fractures, and for the mother, such as bleeding or injury to the birth canal.

A personal injury lawyer who specializes in birth injury lawsuits can evaluate your case and determine what legal action you may be entitled to.

What Are the Causes and Risk Factors for Shoulder Dystocia?

The exact cause of shoulder dystocia is not always known, but there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of it occurring during delivery. Some common risk factors include:

  • Large baby: Babies who weigh more than 8 pounds 13 ounces at birth are more likely to experience shoulder dystocia. Larger babies may have broader shoulders, making it more difficult for them to pass through the birth canal.
  • Maternal diabetes: Mothers who have diabetes (gestational or pre-existing) are at an increased risk of having larger babies, which can contribute to shoulder dystocia.
  • Previous shoulder dystocia: If a mother has experienced shoulder dystocia in a previous pregnancy, there is a higher chance it could occur again.
  • Obesity: Excessive maternal weight can contribute to pregnancy complications, including shoulder dystocia.
  • Assisted delivery: The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during labor may increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia.
  • Induced labor or prolonged labor: Labor that is induced or lasts longer than usual can also raise the chances of complications like shoulder dystocia.

What Are the Potential Complications of Shoulder Dystocia for the Baby and Mother?

Shoulder dystocia can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. Some of the potential risks for the baby include:

  • Brachial plexus injury: The most common injury resulting from shoulder dystocia is damage to the brachial plexus, the network of nerves that controls the arm, hand, and fingers. This injury, known as Erb’s palsy, can cause weakness or paralysis in the affected arm, though many cases resolve over time with treatment.
  • Clavicle fracture: The baby’s collarbone (clavicle) may break during the delivery process due to the difficulty of maneuvering the baby through the birth canal.
  • Hypoxia (lack of oxygen): Prolonged shoulder dystocia can lead to a lack of oxygen for the baby, which may result in brain injury or other long-term developmental issues.
  • Other potential injuries: In rare cases, shoulder dystocia may cause injury to the baby’s bones or internal organs during delivery.

During these dangerous deliveries, the mother is also at risk of suffering injuries:

  • Postpartum hemorrhage: The mother may experience severe bleeding after delivery, especially if there is significant trauma to the birth canal or if excessive force is used to deliver the baby.
  • Tearing or injury to the perineum: The forceful manipulation of the baby’s shoulders can lead to vaginal tears or other injuries to the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus).
  • Uterine rupture: Though rare, the strain on the uterus during delivery can cause a rupture, which is a life-threatening condition for both mother and baby.
  • Emotional and psychological effects: Mothers who experience shoulder dystocia may face emotional trauma from unexpected complications, as well as anxiety about their baby’s health.

Why Choose Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp?

At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have decades of experience representing clients in birth injury cases. As a trusted personal injury law firm, we are committed to holding negligent doctors and healthcare providers accountable for their actions. We represent our clients on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.

If you believe negligence caused injury to your child, acting quickly is crucial. Birth injury claims have strict time limits, and waiting too long can prevent you from seeking the compensation you deserve. Contact our office today at 833-997-1774 for a free consultation. We are ready to help you understand your legal options and ensure that your rights are protected.