The birth of a child is a joyous event. But sometimes things can — and do — go wrong during labor and delivery. One complication is “shoulder dystocia,” which occurs when the baby’s head is delivered, but the shoulders get stuck inside the mother’s pelvis.

CALL US
1.800.783.0989
Free
Consultation

Shoulder dystocia (dystocia means slow or difficult birth) is unpredictable and unpreventable because it occurs after labor has already begun. When it does happen, however, it is a medical emergency.

If a doctor does not respond to shoulder dystocia immediately during labor and delivery, both mother and baby can suffer serious injuries. In the worst case scenario, a newborn may even die. In cases where appropriate and swift action is not taken, it can be the basis for a medical malpractice claim.

Shoulder Dystocia Risk Factors & Treatment

Shoulder dystocia can happen during any woman’s labor and delivery. However, a pregnant woman may be at a higher risk when: 

  • She has diabetes or is obese.
  • She is carrying more than one baby.
  • The baby is very large.
  • She gives birth after the baby’s due date.
  • The baby is in a breech position.
  • She previously gave birth to a large baby or suffered a shoulder dystocia during a prior birth.
  • Labor is induced.
  • She has an epidural to help with pain during labor.
  • The doctor uses tools like forceps or a vacuum to help the baby through the birth canal.

In most cases of shoulder dystocia, the baby is delivered safely and the mother is fine. The doctor may use one of the following procedures to deliver the child:

  • Pressing the mother’s thighs against her belly.
  • Applying pressure to the mother’s lower belly.
  • Turning the baby’s shoulder while still inside the mother.
  • Cutting a wider vaginal opening (episiotomy).

Complications from Shoulder Dystocia

When shoulder dystocia occurs, the mother and baby usually do not experience any permanent damage. Most complications are appropriately treated and managed.

Sometimes, however, the mother may suffer temporary heavy bleeding after birth, and can also experience tearing of the uterus, vagina, cervix, or rectum.

Meanwhile, the baby can also suffer complications, such as contusions and fractures. Other more serious injuries include:

  • Fetal asphyxia – This is a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during delivery. In the most severe cases, fetal asphyxia causes brain damage and possibly death.
  • Brachial plexus injury – This is caused by the stretching of the brachial plexus, a group of nerves originating in the spinal cord in the neck and traveling down the arm. Erb’s Palsy, a paralysis and lack of sensation in the arm, is the most common form of brachial plexus injury during delivery.

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, approximately one or two in every 1,000 babies will have brachial nerve damage. It is usually caused when the newborn’s neck is stretched to the side during a difficult delivery.

Doctors and hospitals have been held liable for malpractice in cases of brachial plexus injuries. One of the largest verdicts was in 2010, when a jury awarded $56 million against a New York hospital for a family whose child suffered permanent nerve damages.

Richard D. Fox

View all posts by
Richard D. Fox

Richard Fox handles personal injury cases, including birth trauma, medical malpractice, and motor vehicle negligence. Throughout his career, which has spanned over 45 years, Rick has successfully represented clients in medical negligence and other personal injury claims.

VIEW BIO

POPULAR

CATEGORIES

Contact Us
Get a Free Consultation

By contacting Sommers Schwartz, you agree to receive emails, text messages, and phone calls regarding your legal inquiry, which may be considered advertising material. Emails, text messages, and phone calls may be automatically generated using the information from this contact form to better coordinate communication. You understand that your consent to this is not necessary to obtain legal services from Sommers Schwartz. Messaging and data rates may apply.

248.355.0300

1 Towne Square
#1700
Southfield, MI 48076

400 Monroe St
#620
Detroit, MI 48226

141 E Michigan Ave
#600
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

402 W Broadway #1760
San Diego, CA 92101

1801 Century Park E #860
Los Angeles, CA 90067

© 2024 Sommers Schwartz, P.C.. All Rights Reserved.

Your Future. Our Fight.

Privacy Policy & Legal | Cookie Policy | Accessibility StatementAreas ServedSitemap

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. The information on this website is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing of this information does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.