Call Today: 800-905-5988
Contact us for free information or to start a free case review.
Shoulder dystocia is difficulty in childbirth where the baby’s head is delivered, but the shoulders require additional medical maneuvers to be properly delivered. There are a number of variables that can affect the likelihood of shoulder dystocia. Improper preparation for, and mishandling of, shoulder dystocia by medical professionals can cause serious maternal and fetal injury.
There are several risk factors that increase the chances of shoulder dystocia during delivery. Fetal macrosomia, or large birth size is one indicator of shoulder dystocia. Babies who weigh between five pounds eight ounces and eight pounds thirteen ounces suffer from shoulder dystocia in 0.6 to 1.4 percent of all births. Babies who weight more than this have a five to nine percent chance of suffering from shoulder dystocia. Maternal factors also increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia. Diabetes, abnormal pelvic anatomy, a small birth canal, short stature, and previous shoulder dystocia complications are all maternal factors that increase the chances of shoulder dystocia. Problems in delivery can also cause shoulder dystocia. These include a protracted phase of first or second stage labor, and forceps or vacuum delivery. Abnormally forceful or improperly maneuvered vacuum delivery is the most common cause of delivery complications that results in shoulder dystocia.
Prevention of shoulder dystocia involves appropriate labor management and skilled maneuvers during deliveries where shoulder dystocia may occur. Risk factors for shoulder dystocia can be discovered via ultrasound and should be evaluated during pregnancy. Women who are at a greater risk for suffering from shoulder dystocia deliveries should be informed of these risks and a medical plan should be developed regarding how shoulder dystocia will be handled should it occur during delivery.
Shoulder dystocia is identified during the birth process when the head of the baby is delivered but then retracts against the perineum (called the “turtle sign”). At this point proper shoulder dystocia protocol should be utilized to prevent injury and allow for the birth to occur with the least amount of inflicted trauma. Medical sources indicate that induction of labor and cesarean sections do not always reduce the likelihood of shoulder dystocia.
Proper prevention techniques can involve: seeking adequate medical help, episiotomy (cutting of the maternal tissues involved in childbirth), maternal repositioning to facilitate a smoother delivery (including leg positioning and mom going onto all fours), the application of suprapubic pressure, and rotating the position of the baby.
The consequences of shoulder dystocia can harm the mother and the baby. Maternal complications include hemorrhaging, uterine rupture, rectovaginal fistula, and bruising or tearing of the reproductive parts. Fetal complications include brachial plexus palsy, clavicle fractures, loss of oxygen to baby (with or without neurological damage), and possibly death. If you or your child has suffered injuries as a result of shoulder dystocia caused by medical negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation in a legal case.
Copyright © 2001 - 2009 Online Lawyer Source | Legal Marketing Site Designed by eJustice