Shoulder Dystocia

One of the most traumatic complications of the delivery process is Shoulder dystocia. This condition occurs during childbirth when the shoulder of the baby cannot emerge from the birth canal properly or requires significant manipulation for correct delivery.

If the shoulder of the baby is caught in the birth canal, aggressive pulling on the child can cause several potential complications that can lead to Cerebral Palsy. It can sever, stretch, or pull off the nerves that control arm movements and sensation called Brachial Plexus Palsy.

Shoulder dystocia can be prevented through attentive management during delivery. Ultrasounds can reveal if the delivery could possibly be affected by shoulder dystocia, and experienced doctors can plan to prevent it. Should the doctor miss these signals, the clearest indication of shoulder dystocia is the so-called “turtle sign,” where in the baby’s head retracts into the mother shortly after it crowns. Proper care is critical at this point to minimize the number of complications.

Unfortunately, many obstetricians fail to safely deliver the child and thousands of families suffer the consequences of these mistakes for the rest of their lives. Shoulder dystocia is preventable with appropriate medical care.