If you’re getting ready to welcome a new baby into your life in California, you want everything to go smoothly. It may be a good idea to learn about birth injuries before delivering your baby into the world. One common injury is shoulder dystocia. Here’s more information about shoulder dystocia and the risk factors for this injury.
What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia happens when either one or both of a baby’s shoulders get lodged in a mother’s pelvis during the labor process. While this injury can be common, shoulder dystocia is treatable and even preventable. This is why shoulder dystocia is sometimes the cause of a medical malpractice claim if doctors don’t do enough to protect the baby’s health before and during delivery.
How do medical professionals treat this injury?
Sometimes, treatment for shoulder dystocia begins before a person gives birth. If a medical professional suspects that shoulder dystocia could be a problem during your delivery, they should make you aware of this concern.
A health care professional might schedule a C-section if they suspect that shoulder dystocia will occur. This usually happens when if your baby weighs around 11 pounds or more. You might also need a C-section if you’re diabetic and your baby weighs about 10 pounds.
If shoulder dystocia develops, a doctor may utilize one or several methods to adjust both you and your baby. These movements can help open your pelvis, freeing the baby’s shoulders.
It’s understandable to want to know more about shoulder dystocia if you are preparing to give birth. Fortunately, there are several treatment methods that health care professionals use to diagnose and resolve this birth injury.
