Information and support in one place.
Shoulder dystocia is when a baby’s shoulders become lodged inside the mother’s pelvis during birth. It can cause the baby to suffer fractures, damage to the brachial plexus nerves and potential lack of oxygen leading to, in severe cases, brain injury.
It can also cause injury to the mother including severe bleeding, perineal tears and uterine rupture.
The risk of shoulder dystocia may be increased in the following circumstances:
- Shoulder dystocia was a complication in a previous labour
- Size of the baby
- Maternal diabetes
- Maternal obesity
- Induction of labour
- Instrumental delivery
- Progression of labour
In cases where there are strong risk factors a caesarean section might be considered the best method of delivery.
Legal advice.
The birth of a child should be a time of happiness, excitement and celebration. Sadly, when negligent mistakes are made by medical professionals the result is pain, heartache and frustration for parents and the wider family.
If you believe that you have a birth injury negligence claim in relation to any wrong or mistreatment you received during birth, then please contact a member of our medical negligence specialist team today. We are dedicated to your best interests and can advise you on how to proceed. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our initial advice session.
