Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia happens during a vaginal birth when the baby's head comes out but a shoulder becomes stuck. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development lists it among labor and delivery complications. Because the baby cannot breathe normally until delivered, it is an emergency, and the delivery team must use specific maneuvers, such as repositioning the mother's legs and applying pressure above the pubic bone, to free the shoulder quickly.

Risk factors include a large baby, maternal diabetes, a prior shoulder dystocia, and prolonged labor, but it often happens without any warning sign. The main risk to the baby is nerve injury. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists says about 1 in 10 babies who have shoulder dystocia will have some stretching of the nerves in the neck, called a brachial plexus injury, and that the most common type is Erb's palsy, which is usually temporary. Fractures of the collarbone or arm, and rarely brain injury from lack of oxygen, can also occur. Mothers face higher risks of heavy bleeding and tearing.

Shoulder dystocia is a common subject of birth injury malpractice lawsuits. Those cases usually focus on whether the provider recognized risk factors, discussed a cesarean section when appropriate, and used accepted maneuvers rather than excessive pulling on the baby's head. A shoulder dystocia alone does not mean anyone did something wrong, and a claim depends on detailed review of the delivery records by medical experts.

For more on how birth injury claims work, see how to sue a company and class action vs. individual lawsuit. This page is general information, not medical advice.