Shoulder dystocia, one of the most frightening delivery room emergencies, can occur with very little warning. This happens when the baby’s anterior shoulder gets caught against the mother’s pubic bone, causing the child to get stuck in the middle of delivery. Because shoulder dystocia is often an unexpected event, a doctor must be prepared to act on his or her toes to help the child.
While doctors are in debate over whether shoulder dystocia is predictable, there are established warning signs indicating an increased likelihood of occurrence. Gestational diabetes, an irregularly shaped pelvis, and past due pregnancies are more likely to have this problem. Gestational diabetes can lead to a baby with macrosomia, or an unusually large size, which can make it too large to fit through the birth canal. This leads to forceps assisted delivery, which is often involved with shoulder dystocia diagnosis.
The OB/OBGYNs should recognize the warning signs, modify birthing methods appropriately, and follow established standard of care when shoulder dystocia presents. Failure on any of the important medical responsibilities may be considered medical malpractice.
Injuries from Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder Dystocia can place both a baby and its mother at risk for several birth injuries including:
- Maternal complications include:
- Rectovaginal fistula
- Symphyseal separation
- Postpartum hemorrhage
- Uterine rupture
- Baby’s injuries include:
- Death
- Fetal hypoxia (acute lack of oxygen)
- Brachial plexus palsy
- Clavicle or humerus fracture
- Neurological damage due to oxygen loss
Contact a Birth Injury Attorney
If a doctor fails to follow established medical protocol when shoulder dystocia occurs, it can lead to a preventable injury to the mother, child or both. It may also cause fetal death. Medical Malpractice can cause many other damages as well. If you are seeking answer regarding your child’s injury, call a Charleston birth injury attorney at the Clore Law Group.
