Understanding Shoulder Dystocia During Delivery
Shoulder dystocia is a serious childbirth emergency that occurs when a baby’s shoulder becomes lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone after the head has been delivered. This complication requires immediate medical intervention to reduce the risk of severe injuries to both the baby and the mother.
At Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC, our Greenville medical malpractice attorneys represent families who have suffered harm because healthcare providers failed to respond appropriately throughout the pregnancy and delivery. When preventable medical errors contribute to birth injuries, our lawyers are committed to helping families pursue accountability.
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs unexpectedly during vaginal delivery and can quickly become a medical emergency. Although it is not always preventable, healthcare providers are expected to recognize risk factors, closely monitor labor, and use accepted medical techniques to safely deliver the baby when this complication arises.
Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of shoulder dystocia include:
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Maternal diabetes
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A larger-than-average baby
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Prolonged labor
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Prior shoulder dystocia
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Assisted vaginal delivery using forceps or a vacuum device
Even when these risk factors are absent, medical professionals must be prepared to respond promptly if shoulder dystocia occurs.
Injuries That May Result From Improper Management
When healthcare providers fail to act quickly or use excessive force during delivery, both the infant and the mother may suffer serious complications. Potential injuries include:
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Brachial plexus injuries, including Erb’s palsy, fractures of the clavicle or humerus, oxygen deprivation, brain injuries, and permanent nerve damage to the baby.
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Severe maternal tearing, excessive bleeding, uterine injury, pelvic floor damage, and other childbirth-related complications.
Some birth injuries may improve with treatment, while others can result in lifelong disabilities.
When Shoulder Dystocia May Constitute Medical Malpractice
Not every case of shoulder dystocia results from medical negligence. However, healthcare providers must follow the accepted standard of care before, during, and after delivery. A preventable birth injury may occur when a provider fails to recognize warning signs, delays necessary interventions, improperly performs delivery maneuvers, applies excessive traction to the baby’s head or neck, or fails to recommend a cesarean delivery when it would have been medically appropriate.
Successfully pursuing a malpractice claim typically requires demonstrating that a healthcare provider breached the applicable standard of care and that the breach directly caused the child’s or mother’s injuries.
At Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC, our lawyers work closely with qualified medical experts to evaluate whether providers acted reasonably under the circumstances and whether preventable errors contributed to the injuries suffered by your family.
Work With Empathetic Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Greenville
If your child or a loved one suffered injuries related to shoulder dystocia during delivery, the team at Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC is prepared to help you understand your legal rights and evaluate whether medical negligence may have played a role.
Our medical malpractice attorneys in Greenville carefully investigate birth injury claims and fight for compensation to help you move forward in life. To discuss your situation with one of our team members, contact Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC today online or by calling 864-242-9008.