Erb's Palsy Risk Factors

Prospective parents are often nervous about the impending birth of their child. Labor and delivery is serious business and apprehensive parents often spend a lot of time planning for a healthy baby.

Parents are often worried about possible injuries that can happen at birth. One of the injuries that can occur during birth is Erb’s Palsy. Erb’s Palsy affects the nerves that are required for proper movement of the shoulder, arm and hand. There is no one cause of Erb’s Palsy. However, there are a variety of factors that make it more likely to occur and it is important for prospective parents to speak to their obstetricians about their options for a safe delivery if one or more of the risk factors are thought to be present.

The risk factors for Erb’s Palsy include difficult deliveries, large babies (over 8 lbs 13 oz), a baby in the breech position, prolonged labor and the use of forceps or vacuum suction to help the baby be delivered. It is possible for ultrasound technicians and obstetricians to estimate the size of the baby and ascertain the baby’s position prior to delivery. And, it is often, though not always, the size of the baby and the baby’s position that result in difficult deliveries, prolonged labor and the use of forceps or vacuum suction.

So, if you are a parent-to-be and you have a breech baby or a baby that is estimated to weigh more than 8 lbs 13 oz, discuss your options with your doctor. Discuss whether the risk of Erb’s palsy or other birth injuries is greater than the risks associated with a C-section.

It is important that parents take the initiative and not wait for doctors to begin the conversation. It is your baby and you want to do everything possible to bring your baby into the world safely and with as little trauma and injury as possible.