When Medical Malpractice Causes Shoulder Dystocia Birth Injuries, Learn What Rights You May Have Under the Law
Medical negligence can cause shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone. This can result in severe injuries or even infant death. If you suspect medical malpractice, consult an experienced lawyer like ours at Medical Malpractice Universe.
Shoulder Dystocia Defined
Shoulder dystocia is one type of birth injury where the baby’s head is delivered through the mother’s vagina, but their shoulder gets stuck behind her pubic bone. Some midwives and obstetricians use the phrase “disproportion” to describe shoulder dystocia. Still, others call this a birth injury because it is caused by an outside force that harms an infant during delivery.
Causes of Shoulder Dystocia Injuries
Research shows that about half of shoulder dystocia cases involve abnormal fetal heart rate patterns. Physicians must take this seriously to prevent birth injuries.
Up to 13% of shoulder dystocia cases are due to medical malpractice, requiring prompt physician action.
Delayed pushing during the second stage of labor and having an epidural before delivery contribute to shoulder dystocia.
Physicians sometimes advise women to wait until full dilation, hindering their ability to push effectively.
Did your Love One Suffer Shoulder Dystocia Injuries? Our Lawyers Can Help
Physicians caring for pregnant mothers must act swiftly and accurately to prevent birth injuries to infants. Therefore, when an obstetrician fails to monitor fetal heart rates, has the patient push with an epidural, or fails to act in time to prevent shoulder dystocia, that physician may be liable for any resulting injuries. If shoulder dystocia injuries seriously injured your newborn due to medical malpractice, call one of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers located here at Medical Malpractice Universe today.