Shoulder dystocia is a serious birth complication that happens during delivery. The condition develops when a baby’s head is delivered, but one or both shoulders become stuck inside the mother’s pelvis. This complicates the delivery and requires emergency maneuvers to finish the birth.
The obstetric emergency is dangerous to both the mother and child and can result in injuries to both. Delays in treatment can reduce oxygen to the baby and cause serious lifelong injuries.
Symptoms of shoulder dystocia
While shoulder dystocia is typically noticed during birth, clear symptoms and complications tend to appear after birth. Those symptoms include:
- Weakness or lack of movement in one arm.
- Limp or paralyzed arm (possible nerve injury).
- Uneven Moro (startle) reflex.
- Swelling or bruising around the shoulder or neck.
- Fractured clavicle (collarbone) or upper arm.
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases).
- Low Apgar scores at birth.
- Signs of oxygen deprivation (poor tone, lethargy).
A well-known sign of shoulder dystocia during delivery is the “turtle sign,” where the baby’s head pulls back toward the birth canal after emerging.
Injuries caused by shoulder dystocia
When a baby experiences shoulder dystocia, they can suffer serious injuries, especially if delivery is delayed or excessive force is used.
One of the more common injuries is brachial plexus injuries, which happens when the baby’s neck and shoulder area is stretched too far, or its nerves are compressed during birth. When the upper nerves are injured, it’s known as Erb’s palsy. The injuries are typically noticed in the shoulder and arm. When the lower nerves are injured, it’s known as Klumpke’s palsy. In these cases, the hand, wrist, and forearms may be injured.
In severe cases, victims of brachial plexus injuries suffer from chronic pain or permanent disability.
Shoulder dystocia is also known to cause Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE).
HIE is known to cause severe cases of brain damage that lead to a lifetime of issues with communication, movement, and learning. Depending on the part of the brain that is injured, children may have trouble with speech and language, memory and attention problems, behavioral issues, or experience cognitive delays.
Many of those issues have also been linked to cerebral palsy, which can be caused by HIE.
Shoulder dystocia is also known to cause fractures, developmental delays, or permanent disability.
How can medical malpractice cause shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia isn’t always preventable and cannot usually be detected until the birth. However, medical negligence can make the situation worse. When healthcare providers fail to follow accepted standards of care, the victims and their families can be impacted for a lifetime.
Among the common medical mistakes associated with shoulder dystocia are:
- Failure to identify high-risk pregnancies (large baby, diabetes, prior dystocia).
- Not recommending a C-section when medically appropriate.
- Improper use of force during delivery.
- Failure to recognize shoulder dystocia quickly.
- Delayed response or failure to use proper maneuvers.
- Lack of trained staff or emergency preparedness.
- Applying harmful techniques (like excessive traction or fundal pressure).
If your baby suffered a serious complication from shoulder dystocia and you believe negligence played a role, you need to contact Weisser Law today. Our experienced team will carefully review your medical records, listen to your story, and give you realistic expectations for the options available to you and their potential value.
Shoulder Dystocia FAQs
Is shoulder dystocia preventable?
In many cases, no. Shoulder dystocia is unpredictable and, in many instances, is unavoidable. Still, healthcare providers are expected to identify known risk factors, monitor labor closely, and make appropriate care decisions. That can include recommending a C-section when the risk of shoulder dystocia is high.
How do doctors handle shoulder dystocia during delivery?
Doctors are trained to use specific emergency maneuvers to address possible shoulder dystocia. That can include repositioning the mother (which may involve using the McRoberts maneuver), applying pressure above the pubic bone, or manually rotating the baby’s shoulders.
The goal of these maneuvers is to safely free the shoulder without causing injury. Quick recognition and proper technique are essential to reducing harm.
What is a brachial plexus injury?
A brachial plexus injury involves damage to the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm. These injuries often occur when excessive force is used to pull the baby during delivery. Although some cases resolve over time, others may lead to permanent weakness or paralysis, which may require long-term care and treatment.
Can shoulder dystocia cause brain damage?
Yes. If the baby is stuck for too long, oxygen flow may be reduced, which is directly linked to several types of brain injury. That includes hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, which may result in permanent neurological damage.
Because there are possible life-altering consequences, rapid intervention by medical staff is critical. The longer the delivery delay, the higher the risk of serious complications.
Are larger babies more at risk?
Yes. Babies with higher birth weights—often referred to as macrosomic babies—have a greater risk of shoulder dystocia. This is especially true when the mother has diabetes. However, shoulder dystocia can still occur in average-sized babies, which is why doctors must always be prepared.
What compensation may be available in these cases?
Compensation in a shoulder dystocia case may include coverage for medical bills, future therapy, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term care. Families may also be compensated for pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and other damages. The exact value depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on the child’s future.
Having an attorney who specializes in medical malpractice and negligence will help you determine a fair value for your case and not what the insurance company wants to pay you.
Why should parents contact Weisser Law if malpractice is suspected?
If you believe medical mistakes may have caused your child’s injuries, it’s important to act quickly. Cases involving shoulder dystocia often depend on detailed medical records and expert analysis.
Weisser Law will review your records and consult with experts in the fields to determine whether doctors failed to recognize risks, delayed treatment, or used improper techniques during delivery. Early legal guidance can help protect your rights, preserve evidence, and determine whether compensation may be available for medical care, therapy, and long-term needs.
Consultations with Weisser Law are always free and don’t require taking any action until you’re ready. At Weisser Law, you don’t pay until we win.