Shoulder Dystocia

While there are many different risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia, the complication can arise in just about any case. Women who have abnormally small pelvises or who are carrying late-term babies are at a higher risk. Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes can also increase the risk for shoulder dystocia. In addition to other various risk factors are an unusually long or difficult labor. No matter what the risk factors associated are, doctors need to be ready to respond to this complication safely and swiftly. All medical guidelines for handling shoulder dystocia should be followed to the letter. If doctors don’t provide safe and medically accepted interventions to complications of delivery, the lives of mothers and babies are put at risk.

Complications Associated with Shoulder Dystocia

A variety of complications are associated with a baby who suffers from shoulder dystocia. Depending upon how long the baby is stuck, and how long he or she goes without appropriate medical intervention, you could be looking at oxygen deficiency, which could lead to permanent brain damage. Additionally, it’s possible for babies to suffer from nerve damage that can be mild, moderate or severe where there is full paralysis of a limb. Brachial plexus palsy, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, Klumpke’s palsy and severe neurological damage are all potential complications of shoulder dystocia. It’s also dangerous for the mother and can lead to post-delivery hemorrhage, and possibly death to mother, baby or both. Listed below are some potential complications of shoulder dystocia.

Potential Complications of Shoulder Dystocia

• Oxygen deficiency
• Temporary nerve damage
• Permanent neurological damage
• Paralysis
• Cerebral palsy
• Brachial plexus
• Erb’s Palsy
• Klumpke’s Palsy
• Post delivery hemorrhage
• Death