Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency with the potential to severely injure both mother and child. A shoulder dystocia happens when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery; most shoulder dystocia situations are diagnosed when the baby’s head delivers but the shoulders do not follow. If shoulder dystocia occurs, any amount of traction placed on the baby’s head can cause severe nerve injury. Shoulder dystocia is one of the most difficult complications that can occur during delivery, because a shoulder dystocia situation carries such high risk for complications.

Among the most common (and serious) shoulder dystocia injuries is a form of nerve damage known as Erb’s Palsy; this results when a shoulder dystocia condition is mishandled, resulting in damage to the nerves connecting the neck and arm. This shoulder dystocia injury ranges from stretching of the nerve tissue to a complete rupture, causing the shoulder dystocia victim to suffer permanent paralysis of the arm. A properly trained obstetrician will identify any shoulder dystocia risks and take steps to avoid injury during the delivery. Increased risks of shoulder dystocia are linked to high birth-weight babies, obese mothers, and a long second stage of labor. Shoulder dystocia can be prevented by scheduling a caesarean section for high-risk mothers, and if shoulder dystocia occurs during birth, sixteen different maneuvers can free the trapped shoulder, ensuring safe delivery. Shoulder dystocia is a serious situation, but does not have to result in injury.

The Center for Shoulder Dystocia Information represents attorneys throughout the United States providing information and legal advice for victims.

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