What Is Shoulder Dystocia And How Does It Cause Birth Injury?

In some circumstances, a baby can get stuck in the delivery process when its shoulders can’t pass through the birth canal. When this situation is not properly handled by the delivering physician, it can cause nerve damage or lack of oxygen for the baby, as well as complications for the mother such as a bruised bladder or hemorrhaging.

While many infants improve in a time frame of six to 12 months, in some cases the damage can be permanent. When injuries from shoulder dystocia result from a medical provider’s negligence, Shelly Law Offices is prepared to stand up for your rights, demanding the compensation you deserve to help pay for the expense of recovery.

Shoulder Dystocia And What Should Happen

Shoulder dystocia is a complication of childbirth. The baby’s head passes through the birth canal, but one or both of the baby’s shoulders cannot clear the pelvis. In many cases, shoulder dystocia happens because of a mismatch between the size of the baby and the mother’s anatomy. Doctors cannot always predict shoulder dystocia and move directly to a cesarean delivery (C-section). Often, the problem only becomes apparent once the labor process has already begun.

If the delivery team fails in their duty of care – by not recognizing the dystocia in the first place or by responding inappropriately to the situation – permanent harm to the mother or the baby can occur. Shoulder dystocia is an urgent situation, but the doctor should have different strategies to free the baby without causing injury. A doctor’s use of forceps or a vacuum during the birth process, for example, can put pressure on the baby’s nerves and cause excessive stretching when the baby is stuck. Or, the doctor may wait too long to perform an emergency C-section, resulting in oxygen deprivation and brain damage.

You and your baby shouldn’t have to pay for the lifelong effects of errors by your medical team. Talk to our determined medical malpractice attorneys at Shelly Law Offices, LLC, for the information you need to move forward.

Legal Help Is Here. Call Today.

An error during the birth process can cause serious and long-lasting damage to both the mother and baby, requiring expensive medical intervention. Our firm is here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to pay for medical bills and other aspects of your recovery.

To schedule your free initial consultation at our Doylestown office, call 267-454-6594 local or 866-214-3323 toll-free, or write to us online for more information.