In this article:
What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
When you’ve a vaginal birth, your baby's head and shoulders usually slide out without any difficulty. Sometimes, in a situation called shoulder dystocia, the head comes out, but one or both of the baby's shoulders get stuck behind the pelvic bone of the mother. It happens in roughly 0.2% to 3% of vaginal births, often surprisingly.Things which might cause it:
- A large baby, usually over 4 kgs
- If you’ve diabetes during pregnancy or have had it before
- A long or difficult labour
- Past delivery with shoulder dystocia.
- Use of instruments like a vacuum or forceps
What Happens If Shoulder Dystocia Occurs?
When the baby's shoulder is lodged, doctors perform special techniques like the McRoberts manoeuvre, lifting your legs to widen the pelvis, or applying gentle pressure to deliver the baby safely. These rapid movements aim to keep stress levels low for you and your baby.Still, because there’s not much room to move, the baby's arm, shoulders, or neck might get a bit squeezed, which could cause injuries.
What Kind of Injuries Can Happen?
Most babies get back to normal quickly after shoulder dystocia, but some might have mild to moderate injuries. The most common ones are:1. Injury in the Brachial Plexus
In around 20% of labour cases, this situation is common. The brachial plexus is a group of nerves located near the neck and is responsible for the arms’ and hands’ movement and sensation.If the nerves get damaged, it can result in:
- Problems with shoulder or wrist movement
- Less mobility in one of the arms
- Lack of strength in the arm
2. Broken Collarbone or Upper Arm
Sometimes, while delivering the baby quickly, a fracture can happen in the collarbone or upper arm bone. It may sound frightening, but there’s nothing to worry about. These fractures typically heal within 1 or 2 weeks, with no long-term effects.What you might notice:
- A bit of soreness or swelling
- Trouble moving one arm
- Your baby is crying when the area is touched
- To help things heal, doctors typically use a splint or a soft bandage
3. Injury in the Facial Nerve
Sometimes, if there’s a bit of pressure during birth, a baby’s facial nerve can be affected. If that happens, you might see:- Irregular crying or blinking
- One side of the face may drool slightly
4. Oxygen Insufficiency
Oxygen inefficiency may be caused when your baby gets trapped during birth. It needs immediate attention. Most babies improve with prompt care and close observation. But a serious condition can be alarming.How Do You Treat These Injuries?
Treatment depends on the kind and severity of the injury. Luckily, with proper care, most babies recover completely.Here's how the doctors handle the most common cases:
- For nerve injuries, mild arm exercises or physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles. Your doctor may also recommend follow-up with a paediatric neurologist or physiotherapist.
- For fractures, immobilisation can be achieved using a soft wrap or by avoiding lifting the affected area until it has recovered.
- For facial nerve issues, your paediatrician advises gentle massage and observation.
- For oxygen-related issues, monitoring in the neonatal unit is necessary to ensure that breathing, feeding, and reflexes return to normal.
What Warning Signs You Should Watch for?
Once you go back home, keep monitoring the signs:- One arm is weak or doesn’t move as much as it should
- Swelling or bruising that you observe around the shoulder
- Too much crying or difficulty with feeding
- Lack of regular facial movement
- Your newborn doesn't move both arms in a similar manner
What Should You Do as a Parent?
You play a significant role in helping your baby feel better. Here's what you can do:- Be gentle when you hold your baby and don’t pull on their injured arm
- Go to all the paediatric appointments
- Stick to the physical therapy plan
- Keep an eye on what your baby’s doing, such as grabbing toys
- Check with your doctor before trying home remedies
Emotional & Social Aspects
Even if it’s not a big deal, seeing your baby get hurt can upset you. But remember, shoulder dystocia occurs surprisingly, and it’s not something you caused.Lean on your family, birth companion, or doctors for support. Talking to other mothers who have gone through this or joining parenting groups can also encourage you.
It’s really stressful to deal with situations like shoulder dystocia. Luckily, with instant interventions and modern medical practices, most babies heal from any birth-related damage. Keep an eye out, know what to look for, and follow medical advice to help your baby recover.
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FAQs on Common Newborn Injuries After Shoulder Dystocia and Their Treatment
- How much time do babies need to recover from the injury of the brachial plexus?
The majority of gentle nerve issues heal within 3 to 6 months following mild treatment. There may be severe cases that require surgery or specialised treatment. - Can shoulder dystocia lead to lasting damage?
That’s quite uncommon. Most babies return to normal strength and movement if they receive help and care early on. - How can I help my baby get better at home?
Handle your baby gently, engage in all the physical therapies, attend all scheduled check-ups, and ensure they receive plenty of rest and cuddling.