Dystocia is defined as difficult or slow delivery or labor. Pregnancy complications like dystocia can lead to serious medical complications for both mother and baby. When the baby is being delivered and the baby’s head is delivered but its shoulders are stuck inside the mother’s body, dystocia occurs. Health care professionals cannot prevent dystocia, but they should be prepared to take action when it occurs.
Although no one anticipates infant injury during the birth process, injuries do occur, and unfortunately, they are sometimes due to medical errors on the part of health care providers. When complications arise during delivery, medical professionals must not delay in acting to prevent injury and possible permanent damage to the baby and mother.
Shoulder dystocia can occur due to the following risk factors:
- The baby is large
- The mother is pregnant with more than one baby
- The mother is diabetic (Women who are diabetic are more likely to have large babies)
- The baby is delivered post due date
- Shoulder dystocia was present in a prior delivery of a large baby
Complications for the baby can include:
- Nerve injury to the arms, shoulder or hand
- A broken collarbone or broken arm
- Oxygen deprivation which can damage the brain and contribute to other medical problems
Has Your Newborn Been Injured Due to Negligence? Hire a Lawyer Who is Also a Doctor
If your baby has been the victim of shoulder dystocia caused by a medical error or negligence, you have the right to recover compensation from those responsible for the quality of care provided.
Experienced attorney Ryan A. Krebs, M.D., J.D. is committed to defending the victims of birth injury. Dr. Krebs, M.D., J.D. is a birth trauma lawyer who is also a doctor. His unique background makes him specially qualified to handle any birth injury case. He understands both the legal intricacies of a birth injury lawsuit as well as the medical ailments that are affecting your child.
An experienced lawyer can help you determine if the birth injury to your child constitutes medical malpractice. Contact our birth injury attorneys at 1-800-460-0606 today for a free consultation.
