Philadelphia Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers

Shoulder dystocia occurs when an infant's head is able to be delivered through the vagina, but their shoulders become stuck inside the mother's body, creating serious risk for both the baby and the mother. There are two common causes of shoulder dystocia, which often occurs when an infant is unusually large; which typically results from overweight or diabetic women, who are at an increased risk of having larger babies; and the pelvic opening of the mother is too small for the infant's shoulders to come out. When a healthcare professional exerts too much force on an infant's head or neck, or fails to act in a timely manner to prevent shoulder dystocia, both the infant and the mother may suffer serious injuries as a result.

Risk Factors of Shoulder Dystocia

A pregnant woman may be at a greater risk of having an infant born with shoulder dystocia if one or more of the following are present:

• The baby is large
• The mother has diabetes
• The mother is pregnant with more than one infant
• The mother is obese
• The baby is delivered after their due date
• The mother has had shoulder dystocia during a past delivery and/or previously had a large baby

Shoulder dystocia may also result when no risk factors in the woman are present.

Complications in the Delivery Room

While there are risk factors for an infant suffering shoulder dystocia, usually, healthcare professionals can't predict or prevent it, and often discover it only after labor has started.

There are several things that can help ensure the safe delivery of an infant if signs of shoulder dystocia are present. Appropriate healthcare professionals may apply pressure to the woman's belly; roll the woman onto all fours; turn the infant's shoulder while they are still inside the woman; perform an episiotomy, in which a wider opening is cut in the woman's vagina; and/or perform a Cesarean section, also referred to as C-section, after labor has started.

If an infant suffers shoulder dystocia during birth, they may sustain mild to severe injuries to the nerves of their arms, hands, and shoulders, which may result in shaking or paralysis. In some cases, the problems disappear in a few months, while in others, they are permanent. A baby may also sustain a broken collarbone or arm, and may suffer a lack of oxygen during the birth process, which may result in brain damage or even death. An infant who suffers shoulder dystocia at birth may suffer serious birth injuries, including Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, and Klumpke's palsy.

For the mother, if her child suffers shoulder dystocia at birth, she may sustain heavy bleeding following the delivery; bladder bruising; and tearing of the cervix, rectum, uterus, or vagina.

Shoulder Dystocia as a Result of Negligence

To prevent an infant from suffering shoulder dystocia during the birth process, doctors and nurses in the delivery room are required to act properly and in a timely manner to safely deliver an infant while working to prevent complications and injuries to both the mother and the baby. If a healthcare professional fails to act appropriately and in a timely manner, and/or if they exert too much force on an infant's head or neck, they may be able to be held responsible for any injuries suffered by either the infant and/or the mother.

It is the responsibility of the appropriate healthcare professional to be aware of the risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia. If they fail to recognize these risks, or fail to communicate with expectant parents regarding the risks associated with a vaginal delivery, an unborn child and their mother are put at unnecessary risk, and the option of performing a C-section may be deprived.

If a healthcare professional's error caused you or your child to suffer serious injuries during the birth process, such as shoulder dystocia, contact Anapol Schwartz. Our Philadelphia shoulder dystocia attorneys can help your family receive compensation for the physical injuries suffered in addition to the financial costs related to them. Call our law offices at 866-735-2792 for a free consultation.

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