We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
There are many forms of birth injury which can precede a medical negligence claim for personal injury suffered by the baby, mother or both; and shoulder dystocia is one such injury that may occur during a difficult labour.
Shoulder dystocia happens when the head of the baby being delivered gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone, thus preventing the effective passing of the infant's body through the vaginal opening.
In a normal birth there is usually a small delay between the birth of the head and the birth of the body, but if the baby has become stuck the shoulders need to be released as soon as possible because the child cannot commence breathing as its chest will be being compressed by the mother's pelvis. This can also be compounded by the likelihood that the baby's body will be compressing the oxygen-giving umbilical cord, thus the baby can quickly become oxygen starved when shoulder dystocia occurs.
When does shoulder dystocia occur
According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) shoulder dystocia occurs in approximately one in 200 births - representing a 0.5% chance in UK deliveries.
Likewise the RCOG suggest that difficult births, with potential shoulder dystocia, may be indicated where:
What will shoulder dystocia mean for the mother and baby?
The baby
When shoulder dystocia occurs the brachial plexus nerves located in the baby's neck may be damaged. This injury may cause loss of movement to the baby's arm, which can, on occasion, be permanent.
On being manoeuvred from behind the pelvic bone the baby may suffer arm or shoulder fractures - these usually heal without complication.
In extreme cases, if the baby is starved of oxygen, shoulder dystocia can cause brain injury and possible death.
The mother
During a difficult birth with shoulder dystocia the mother may suffer vaginal tearing which will need careful repair by a doctor or midwife.
Approximately one in ten mothers will experience heavy bleeding (postpartum haemorrhage) and some may need treatment and/or a blood transfusion.
Some mothers may suffer emotional impact and distress after a birth complicated by shoulder dystocia and although the occurrence should not impact on subsequent conception and birth it may be traumatic for the mother to contemplate experiencing another labour.
100% compensation with the YouClaim experts
If you have suffered a difficult birth, with shoulder dystocia, which has left you or baby suffering personal injury you may be able to make a claim for compensation with YouClaim.
Our highly experienced and successful medical negligence solicitors are sensitive to the stress and emotional turmoil that a difficult birth can bring. As such, we aim to proceed with your birth injury medical negligence claim with the utmost professionalism, but in a jargon free manner which means you will be clearly advised and updated at every stage of your claim.
The instigation of medical negligence litigation may incur some unavoidable charges, but we will advise you in advance of all fees and in a won case we will endeavour to reimburse you fully. Further, in a successful claim you will be guaranteed to receive 100% compensation as we never take a cut.
For a free, no-obligation discussion about making a shoulder dystocia birth injury claim call YouClaim's confidential UK helpline on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively you may wish to have an echat, request a call back or fill in our online claim form. Whichever way you choose to get in touch with us, be assured that we are here to help.
