The primary signs and symptoms of shoulder dystocia include difficulty delivering the baby‘s shoulders after the head has emerged, retraction of the baby’s head back into the birth canal (known as the “turtle sign”), and prolonged labor or stalled delivery.
Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby’s shoulders become stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone during delivery, creating a dangerous situation that requires immediate medical intervention.
Recognizing the signs of shoulder dystocia is critical because delayed action can lead to severe complications, including nerve damage, fractures, and oxygen deprivation.
While some cases resolve quickly with proper medical techniques, others result in birth injuries that may require long-term care. If medical negligence played a role in your child’s injury, an Arizona birth injury lawyer may be able to help you seek compensation.
How Shoulder Dystocia Occurs During Birth
Shoulder dystocia happens when one or both of the baby’s shoulders fail to pass through the birth canal after the head has been delivered. This can occur due to several factors, including the baby’s size, the mother’s pelvic shape, or the position of the baby during labor.
While some cases are unpredictable, doctors should recognize risk factors and take preventative measures when necessary. Certain maternal and fetal conditions may increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia, including:
- Large birth weight (fetal macrosomia): Babies weighing over 8 pounds, 13 ounces have a higher risk of getting stuck during delivery.
- Maternal diabetes: Gestational diabetes can lead to excessive fetal growth, increasing the chances of shoulder dystocia.
- Prolonged labor: Difficult or stalled labor may signal that the baby is having trouble passing through the birth canal.
- Previous shoulder dystocia: If a mother has experienced shoulder dystocia in a previous birth, there is a greater risk of recurrence.
- Use of assisted delivery tools: The use of forceps or vacuum extractors can contribute to shoulder dystocia, particularly if excessive force is applied.
In many cases, doctors can anticipate and manage shoulder dystocia safely. However, when medical professionals fail to take appropriate action, preventable birth injuries can occur.
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Common Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Dystocia
The symptoms of shoulder dystocia are typically observed during labor and delivery. Medical teams must act quickly when these warning signs appear:
- Difficulty delivering the shoulders: The most defining sign of shoulder dystocia is when the baby’s shoulders do not pass through the birth canal after the head is delivered.
- Turtle sign: This occurs when the baby’s head emerges but then retracts back into the birth canal, resembling a turtle pulling its head into its shell.
- Prolonged second stage of labor: If the delivery slows or stops after the head is delivered, it may indicate that the shoulders are stuck.
- Maternal complications: Excessive maternal bleeding or tearing may be signs that the baby is having difficulty passing through the birth canal.
If these signs appear, doctors should use appropriate maneuvers to free the baby’s shoulders safely. Delayed action can result in serious complications, making immediate intervention essential.
Potential Birth Injuries Associated With Shoulder Dystocia
When shoulder dystocia is not managed properly, it can lead to several birth injuries, some of which may cause lifelong complications. The most common injuries include:
- Brachial plexus injuries (Erb’s palsy or Klumpke’s palsy): Excessive force during delivery can damage the network of nerves controlling the arm and shoulder, leading to weakness or paralysis.
- Clavicle or humerus fractures: A baby’s collarbone or upper arm bone may break if significant force is applied during delivery.
- Hypoxia (oxygen deprivation): If the umbilical cord becomes compressed or delivery is delayed too long, the baby may experience oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of brain damage.
- Maternal injuries: Severe perineal tearing, postpartum hemorrhage, and uterine rupture are potential complications for the mother.
In some cases, these injuries heal with proper medical care, but others may require long-term treatment, including surgery, physical therapy, or assistive devices.
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How Medical Professionals Should Respond to Shoulder Dystocia
Healthcare providers are trained to recognize and manage shoulder dystocia using various techniques to safely deliver the baby. Some of the most commonly used maneuvers include:
- McRoberts maneuver: The mother’s legs are positioned higher and pulled back to widen the pelvic opening, making it easier for the baby to pass through.
- Suprapubic pressure: A healthcare provider applies pressure to the mother’s lower abdomen to help shift the baby’s shoulders.
- Internal rotation maneuvers: In some cases, the doctor may need to rotate the baby’s shoulders manually to free them from the birth canal.
- Emergency cesarean section: If other methods fail, an emergency C-section may be necessary to prevent further complications.
Doctors should be prepared to handle shoulder dystocia and take immediate action to minimize risks. When healthcare providers fail to act appropriately, the consequences can be severe for both the baby and the mother.
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When Shoulder Dystocia Counts as Medical Malpractice
Not all cases of shoulder dystocia result from medical negligence, but some birth injuries are entirely preventable. A doctor may be liable for malpractice if they:
- Failed to recognize or address known risk factors
- Used excessive force during delivery, leading to nerve damage or fractures
- Did not follow proper protocols for handling shoulder dystocia
- Delayed intervention, resulting in oxygen deprivation or other complications
If your child suffered a birth injury due to improper medical care, you may have legal options. A birth injury lawyer can help you determine whether medical negligence played a role and explore avenues for pursuing compensation.
Seeking Legal Help for Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injuries
Families dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury often face significant medical expenses, emotional distress, and long-term care needs. When medical negligence contributes to an injury, pursuing a legal claim may provide the financial support necessary to cover treatment costs and other damages.
A birth injury lawyer can review your case, consult medical experts, and help you seek compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If your child suffered complications due to shoulder dystocia, legal action can help hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the resources your family needs.
Contact a Birth Injury Lawyer Today
If your child suffered complications due to shoulder dystocia, you may have legal options. Birth injuries caused by medical negligence can lead to long-term medical needs and costly treatments.
Holding negligent healthcare providers accountable can provide financial relief and help prevent similar mistakes in the future. Birth Injury Lawyers Group can assess your case, gather medical evidence, and determine whether malpractice occurred.
Pursuing legal action may seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. A legal professional can guide you through the process and fight for the compensation your family deserves. Contact our team today for a free consultation.
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