Birth Trauma: Risks of Shoulder Dystocia
A number of risks are associated with shoulder dystocia and these can result in on-going problems for both mother and baby after the birth. Amongst these the following may occur:
- Postnatal Haemorrhage - A postnatal haemorrhage may happen after the baby is delivered and can happen as a result of injury to the maternal tissues or because the uterus fails to properly contract after the baby is born.
- Maternal Injuries: After a shoulder dystocia delivery the mother may be affected by severe vaginal tears, a perineal tear, the extension of the episiotomy wound if an episotomy was performed, fracture of the symphysis pubis, third degree tear of the perineum from the vagina to the rectum. In some instances, uterine rupture can also result from the birth.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: A common complication of shoulder dystocia is the injury of nerves in the baby's neck or shoulder resulting in the condition Erb's palsy. Erb's palsy usually recovers on its own within the first year of the baby's life but for a small number of babies it can lead to life-long problems affecting the movement and sensations in the affected arm.
- Clavicle Fracture: The baby's shoulder bone is called the clavicle. This bone connects the upper part of the breastbone to the shoulders. Unfortunately, during a shoulder dystocia delivery, the clavicle is likely to become fractured and this can have repercussions after delivery.
Further Complications: In some rare instances further complications can result from the delivery of a baby with shoulder dystocia. These can include:
Fetal hypoxia, ie the baby's oxygen supply is compromised;
Fracture of the Humerus, the upper arm bone;
and very rarely, death of the baby.
Related Articles
Treatment of Shoulder Dystocia
Further Information about Birth Trauma and Erb's Palsy
Erbs Palsy Group
Erb’s Palsy Group
60 Anchorway Road
Coventry
Warwickshire CV3 6JJ
Tel: 024 7641 3293
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