Complications of Labor: Shoulder Dystocia

Shoulder dystocia is a complication of labor that is not only dangerous to the baby but also to the mother. It is a hard condition to predict and while there are conditions that make it more likely to occur there is not an accurate way to diagnose it prior to delivery.

What are the risks to the mother?
There are several risks to the mother. Some merely add to the already painful experience of childbirth and others are more serious and may require further medical interventions in order or prevent serious injury or death for the mother. The risks include:
· Rupture or significant tearing to the mother’s uterus;
· Hemorrhaging after delivering the baby;
· Bruises or tears;
· Tearing;
· Damage to the bladder.

There is a lot of discussion, research, and attention paid to the complications of shoulder dystocia on newborns. Doctors should have the responsibility to inform parents-to be about the risks of shoulder dystocia to both newborns and mothers.

If you are a pregnant mother and your doctor tells you that your baby is large, you suffer from diabetes, or you are obese or very small then do not hesitate to ask your doctor what his or her professional opinion is about the likelihood of shoulder dystocia.

Also, ask about how your doctor will handle shoulder dystocia if it presents during delivery. Will you be given an episiotomy? Will the doctor use a vacuum or forceps? Or, will the doctor opt for an emergency C– Section?

For more information about the potential risks to the mother, as well as the baby, please visit the University of Michigan’s Health System web page on shoulder dystocia.