Looking for expert legal advice?
Speak to a member of our specialist birth injury team. Find out if you are entitled to compensation.
CALL 0800 083 5500
Posted on 12th October 2023
Shoulder dystocia is a birth complication that occurs when one or both of the baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during vaginal delivery.
What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a birth complication that occurs when one or both of the baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during a vaginal delivery. This can happen for several reasons, including:
- An unusually large baby (macrosomia)
- A narrow pelvis
- A baby who is in a posterior position (facing their back towards the mother’s stomach)
- A mother who has diabetes
How common is shoulder dystocia?
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, shoulder dystocia occurs in about one in every 150 vaginal deliveries or around 0.7% of cases. It is more common in mothers who have diabetes or who have given birth to a large baby in the past.
Can shoulder dystocia cause problems later in life?
Shoulder dystocia can cause long-term problems for both the mother and baby. These can vary in nature depending on the severity of the injury. Some babies may have no long-term problems at all, while others may have permanent disabilities.
Helpful Articles
If you have suffered an injury because of poor care, you may want to sue the NHS for negligence. This complete guide can help you make the best decision for you and your family. More
If you’ve been let down by medical professionals responsible for your maternity care, seeking redress through a birth injury compensation claim can be an effective means of securing the support that you need to get life back on-track More
There are a variety of factors that can determine how much compensation a claim can be worth. Our solicitors explain in this article. More
What kind of problems can shoulder dystocia lead to?
Common long-term problems associated with shoulder dystocia include:
- Brachial plexus injury (BPI): BPI is a nerve injury that can cause weakness or paralysis in the arm and hand. It is the most common complication of shoulder dystocia. Most cases of BPI resolve within a few months, but some babies may have permanent nerve damage.
- Erb’s palsy: Erb’s palsy is a type of BPI that affects the upper arm and shoulder. It is the most common type of BPI in babies. Erb’s palsy usually resolves within a few months, but again some babies may have permanent nerve damage.
- Klumpke’s palsy: Klumpke’s palsy is a type of BPI that affects the lower arm and hand. It is less common than Erb’s palsy. Klumpke’s palsy usually resolves within a few months but can also be permanent.
- Fractures: Shoulder dystocia can sometimes cause fractures of the baby’s arm or shoulder. These fractures usually heal well without any long-term problems.
- Birth hypoxia: Birth hypoxia is oxygen deprivation of the baby during the birthing process. Shoulder dystocia can increase the risk of birth hypoxia, which can lead to long-term problems such as cerebral palsy and learning disabilities.
- Postpartum haemorrhage: Postpartum haemorrhage is heavy bleeding after the birth. It is more common in women who experience shoulder dystocia.
- Perineal tears: Perineal tears are tears in the tissue between the vagina and the anus. They are also more common in women who experience shoulder dystocia.
Blackwater Law successfully represented the family of baby Blake in making a midwife negligence claim after the community midwife failed to notice a severe medical abnormality.
Is shoulder dystocia considered traumatic birth?
Shoulder dystocia is considered a traumatic birth injury. This is because it can cause serious physical and emotional problems for both the mother and the baby.
Can shoulder dystocia be caused by medical negligence?
Yes, shoulder dystocia can be caused by medical negligence. This can happen if the healthcare provider does not properly manage the birth or fails to identify and treat shoulder dystocia promptly.
If you or your baby has suffered long-term problems as a result of shoulder dystocia, you may be able to make a birth injury claim. You should speak to a qualified clinical negligence solicitor at Blackwater Law who specialises in birth injury claims to discuss your options, as you may be able to make your case on a no-win, no-fee basis.
