Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is a childbirth emergency that occurs when, after a baby's head is delivered, one or both of the baby's shoulders become stuck behind the mother's pubic bone. It is one of the most serious and high-stakes complications in obstetrics — and how the medical team responds in those critical seconds and minutes determines whether the baby is safely delivered or permanently injured.

Shoulder dystocia occurs in approximately 0.5% to 2% of vaginal deliveries. It cannot always be predicted, but certain risk factors are well-known and must be considered during prenatal care and delivery planning:

• Large baby (estimated fetal weight over 9 lbs)
• Gestational diabetes (which increases the risk of large babies)
• Prolonged second stage of labor
• Prior delivery with shoulder dystocia
• Assisted delivery (forceps or vacuum)
• Maternal obesity or abnormal pelvic anatomy

When shoulder dystocia occurs, there are established, evidence-based protocols for managing it safely — known as the HELPERR maneuvers. These maneuvers, including the McRoberts position, suprapubic pressure, rotational maneuvers, and delivery of the posterior arm, are designed to free the trapped shoulder without injuring the baby or the mother.

When these protocols are not followed — or when a physician responds to shoulder dystocia by pulling forcefully on the baby's head — catastrophic injuries occur. The brachial plexus nerve network can be stretched or torn, causing Erb's palsy. Prolonged delivery can cause oxygen deprivation (HIE) and brain damage. In extreme cases, shoulder dystocia can cause death.

If your baby was involved in a shoulder dystocia delivery and was subsequently diagnosed with Erb's palsy, brain damage, cerebral palsy, or any other injury, you deserve to know whether the medical team's response met the standard of care. The delivery records will tell the story.

Our team has helped families affected by shoulder dystocia mismanagement recover millions of dollars. The review is free, and there are no fees unless we win your case. Deadlines apply — call today.