Can OB/GYN Negligence Lead To Shoulder Dystocia?

It is a nightmare that every pregnant woman in Connecticut has: Your labor is progressing, you begin to push, you are moments away from having your new infant in your arms when suddenly the progress is slowed or stopped completely due to shoulder dystocia. This can lead to additional complications and birth injuries and is often a very scary event for mothers. Though some occurrences of shoulder dystocia cannot be foreseen, there are women who are at greater risk than others. If your OB/GYN does not prepare for these risks, you may become the victim of negligence.

What is Shoulder Dystocia?

Shoulder dystocia is the term that is used when the shoulders of the fetus become trapped within the birth canal. This is a more common occurrence than most expectant mothers think. Most medical professionals are very familiar with the proper steps to take to safely deliver the baby when this happens, but some mothers and infants receive birth injuries due to malpractice in this event.

You are at a higher risk to experience shoulder dystocia if you have experienced this situation before, are carrying a large baby, have had an epidural or induction or an operative vaginal birth is performed. Even if you do not fit into any of these categories, you may still be at risk of this complication.

Birth injuries that can occur due to shoulder dystocia include arm, shoulder and hand damage, brain injuries and complications for the mother that include heavy bleeding or tearing. If you have additional questions, speaking to an experienced medical malpractice attorney could be beneficial.