Shoulder dystocia can be a scary and dangerous birthing complication. It happens when a baby’s shoulder gets trapped behind the mother’s pubic bone during childbirth. This can deprive the baby of oxygen and lead to permanent disability. If your baby has suffered a birth injury from shoulder dystocia, you may be wondering about your legal rights and options. An Illinois birth injury lawyer can help guide you on the proper steps you should take for this
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s head has already emerged from the birth canal, but one of the shoulders becomes stuck, preventing the rest of the baby’s body from passing through. This traps the baby inside the birth canal and puts extreme pressure on vital structures. Shoulder dystocia is an obstetric emergency.
Unfortunately, the urgency of shoulder dystocia situations means that permanent nerve damage or oxygen deprivation can occur while freeing the trapped shoulder. Common birth injuries include: