In this article:
What Does Shoulder Dystocia Mean?
Shoulder dystocia is referred to as the situation when, during giving birth, the baby’s head is released, but one or both of its shoulders get trapped behind the mother’s pelvic bone. This can make labour tricky.Doctors treat it as an emergency since it can cause issues with your baby's oxygen supply and breathing if not handled right away. Luckily, it’s not usual, only happening in roughly 0.2% to 3% of vaginal births.
What Causes Shoulder Dystocia?
It’s not always clear, but a few things can make it more likely:- Large Foetus: If your baby weighs over 4 Kg, there’s a greater risk
- Gestational diabetes: This may cause a larger baby or uneven fat distribution around the shoulders
- Prolonged labour or assisted delivery: Use of vacuum or forceps can sometimes be the reason for shoulder dystocia
- Maternal factors: Short stature or obesity may likely increase the chances
- Past shoulder dystocia: If you've experienced it earlier, chances are high that you'll experience it in future deliveries
What Happens During Shoulder Dystocia?
When the baby's shoulder gets stuck, your medical team acts promptly. They aim for a safe delivery of the baby without causing any harm to you or the baby.Here's a breakdown of what happens:
- Once the head is released but unable to descend or rotate, your doctor will immediately understand that it is a case of shoulder dystocia
- The medical team will clearly and calmly guide you so that you don't get stressed
- They might recommend you shift positions like the McRoberts manoeuvre, where your knees are brought close to your chest to widen the pelvis
- To help release the shoulder, doctors might create gentle pressure above your pelvic bone
- If needed, doctors might turn the baby's shoulders or deliver the posterior arm first to make some room
What Turns into an Emergency?
Shoulder dystocia is a time-sensitive situation because your baby's body remains partially inside while the head is already delivered. This can:- Disrupt the oxygen supply to the baby if it takes too long to deliver
- Place strain on the baby's shoulders and neck, which increases the likelihood of nerve injury
- Lead to postpartum bleeding or tearing for you
What Could Go Wrong?
Most mothers and babies recover afterwards, but there can still be some short-term complications:For the baby:
- Sometimes, the baby may have difficulty moving one arm or experience weakness in it. This occurs in approximately 5% to 10% of scenarios.
- A fractured arm or collar bone that mostly heals on its own
- Breathing issues, which are rare, but can happen if the baby lacks oxygen
- Heavy bleeding after birth
- Bruising or ruptures in the vaginal area
- Emotional stress or worries during future deliveries
How Do Doctors Safely Manage Shoulder Dystocia?
Your medical team will follow a gradual process, as every second is important here.- Additional staff are immediately informed
- Your position is changed into the McRoberts manoeuvre, followed by some other techniques like the corkscrew techniques
- The doctor carefully guides the baby's shoulders and head without pulling forcefully
- In rare instances, a caesarean section or other modern methods may be used if the vaginal manoeuvre fails to work
Can You Stop Shoulder Dystocia from Happening?
While it’s not in your hands to stop it, you can lower the risks by:- Keeping a healthy weight while you’re pregnant
- Keeping an eye on your blood sugar level if you are a patient of gestational diabetes
- Talking to your doctor about how to deliver if your baby is expected to be big
- Planning to give birth in a hospital with emergency staff ready
When Should You Consult a Doctor?
You should discuss the risk of shoulder dystocia if:- You already faced it in the past pregnancy
- Your baby is large
- You have diabetes or rapid weight gain during pregnancy
Emotional Well-being
Even when the outcome is precious, emergencies related to delivery can be traumatic. You might feel anxiety, guilt, or fear afterwards, but remember, it's not your fault. You must not ignore your mental health while taking care of your body.Shoulder dystocia might sound scary, but your doctors are well-versed in managing such scenarios with the help of medical methods. Knowing what’s going on, staying calm, and working together are really important. If you’re aware of the signs, trust your doctor, and attend regular check-ups, you can have a smooth delivery.
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FAQs on Why Shoulder Dystocia Is a Delivery Emergency and How It’s Managed
- Can a caesarean delivery end up in shoulder dystocia?
No. Shoulder dystocia only happens in vaginal births. It’s when the baby's shoulder gets trapped after the head is released. - How long does it take to manage shoulder dystocia during labour?
With the quick and trained medical actions, most cases are resolved in 2 to 5 minutes once identified. - Will I need a C-section in my next pregnancy if I had shoulder dystocia before?
It really depends. Your medic can decide what’s best once they check the foetus’s size and possible complications.
