Anybody had "shoulder dystocia" their first pregnancy and worried about it this time around ????My doctors said depends on the size of baby i might have to get a C-section 😩☹️
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
What is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a complication that can occur during childbirth when the baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone.
It happens when the baby's head has been delivered, but the shoulders are unable to pass through the birth canal easily.
This condition requires immediate medical attention and intervention to ensure the safe delivery of the baby.
While shoulder dystocia is relatively rare, it is essential to be aware of its signs, causes, and how it is managed.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs of shoulder dystocia may include:
- Delayed progress in labor: The baby's delivery may be significantly delayed after the head has been delivered.
- Difficulty delivering the shoulders: The healthcare provider may encounter difficulty in delivering the baby's shoulders.
Shoulder dystocia is a medical emergency that requires quick action from the healthcare team to prevent complications for both the baby and the mother.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of shoulder dystocia is not always clear, but several factors can increase the likelihood of its occurrence, including:
- Fetal size: A larger than average baby (macrosomia), especially with a high birth weight, increases the risk of shoulder dystocia.
- Maternal factors: Maternal diabetes, obesity, and a history of shoulder dystocia in a previous delivery can be risk factors.
- Prolonged labor: A prolonged or difficult labor can increase the chances of shoulder dystocia.
- Pelvic anatomy: Certain pelvic shapes or abnormalities may contribute to the occurrence of shoulder dystocia.
It's important to note that shoulder dystocia cannot be predicted or prevented in most cases, but healthcare providers are trained to manage this complication effectively.
Management and Delivery Techniques
When shoulder dystocia occurs, the healthcare provider will implement specific techniques to safely deliver the baby. These techniques may include:
- Changing maternal positions: Altering the mother's position to help facilitate the baby's delivery.
- McRoberts maneuver: The mother's legs are flexed and positioned toward her shoulders to create more room for the baby's shoulders to pass through.
- Suprapubic pressure: Gentle pressure is applied to the mother's abdomen to help release the baby's shoulders.
- Episiotomy: In some cases, an episiotomy (a surgical incision to enlarge the vaginal opening) may be necessary to assist in the safe delivery of the baby.
In rare instances where the above techniques are unsuccessful, additional measures, such as the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, may be required. In extreme cases, an emergency C-section may be performed.
Follow-up Care and Potential Complications
After a shoulder dystocia event, both the baby and the mother will require careful assessment and monitoring. The baby may undergo evaluations to ensure there are no injuries, such as fractures or nerve damage. The mother may require repair of any tears or lacerations that occurred during the delivery.
While complications from shoulder dystocia are rare, potential risks include:
- Brachial plexus injuries: Nerve injuries to the baby's neck or arm may occur due to stretching or compression during the delivery.
- Fractures: The baby may experience collarbone (clavicle) or other bone fractures due to the pressure exerted during delivery.
Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers will help monitor the baby's progress and address any concerns that may arise.
Dig deeper
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𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓪 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓮
9 Nov 2023
Doctor explains I might have to get a c-section due to baby is pretty big which he was saying shoulder dystocia meaning his shoulder can get stuck delivering vaginal In 4 weeks from now I’ll have a ultrasound follow up on baby growth
Redcityfreak
Issa lie. Birth ur baby how u want.
27 Mar 2024
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𝓐𝓷𝓷𝓪 𝓜𝓪𝓻𝓲𝓮
Yeah I get that but idk bout tryna to have Vaginal delivery & he have problems with his arm for the rest of his life or he can grow outta it I want what’s best for my baby only time will tell in due time
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Shanika Lewis
7 Nov 2023
My doctor said today in appointment that at my last ultrasound weeks ago my baby weighed 4 lbs 13 oz which is in the 73 percentile which is normal, but the abdominal circumference is in the 90 percentile which is bigger than it should. They said could be a risk for shoulder dystocia. Has anyone had this told to them and is it something I should be worried about? They said ultra sounds sometimes are 1 lb off so idk. Any experience with should dystocia. And is that a key sign for a C-Section or can it still be a vaginally birth? I go for another ultrasound next week.
Redcityfreak
Girl this why I don't get growth scans. All babies grow different and as soon as it don't lign up with their numbers they try some bull. They prepping your mind for induction or c section. Trust ur baby.
27 Mar 2024
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Shanika Lewis
thank you. Appreciate it! 😊
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Cassie
4 Nov 2023
So I've been cheering for all the mommas but haven't ever posted. I'm scheduled for a c-section on Monday due to pre-eclampsia and shoulder dystocia. I'm honestly terrified because I don't know what to expect. It was supposed to be a scheduled induction, and I found out 2 days ago they changed it. Help😭😭
NyiAyesha
I’m praying for you mamas 🙏🏾❤️
27 Mar 2024
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Jamy
7 Oct 2023
On September 27th at 38 weeks my chunky butt was born. 🥺🥰 By far the hardest labor I’ve experienced. Mr. Chunks got stuck and had a minor Shoulder Dystocia & I also lost a lot of blood ❤️. But I am blessed to have my Third baby boy ❤️ Welcome to the World Noah Alexander ❤️ #38weeks #Sept27
Krista
How much did he weigh ?
27 Mar 2024
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Jamy
9lbs ; my other two babies were 7lbs and 6lbs
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Samantha
6 Sep 2023
okay mommas i'm just wondering if anyone has been through this so my son is 6lbs 1oz i'm 34 weeks pregnant being induced at 37 weeks my daughter was born at 38 weeks 6lb 10oz. point is at my last appointment my ob offered a c section due to him being big and the possibility of shoulder dystocia, i had a hard time pushing my daughter out they used the vacuum to get her out but barley i just felt i could not push with her due to the epidural i couldn't feel ANYTHING. still i got her out in like 15mins. my doctor isn't forcing me to have a c section she letting me decide what i want to do and i want to try to push and not have the epidural this is my last baby but i don't want to put him in harms way i know this is dangerous but i feel if i don't get the epidural i can really do it. what do y'all think?
Sierra
TBH giving birth no matter how you do it is all dangerous I tried to have a vaginal birth with my 6 year old and I got stuck at 7cm then rushed to an emergency C-section so this go around I'm not even going to try again id rather have a planned C-section than an emergency one but that's just me because my body doesn't do what it's supposed to in order for me to have a vaginal birth but I absolutely loved and enjoyed my experience with the C-section even tho it was an emergency it was amazing!! 🥰
27 Mar 2024
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Samantha
i love that !!! i'm so scared of a c section but glad to hear it's not as bad as i'm thinking...in my position would you try vaginal ?
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Mercedes
18 Dec 2022
Has anybody heard of shoulder Dystocia My doctor wants to induce me tomorrow due to risk of this and I’m thinking should I just get C-section so they don’t break shoulder or should I just go natural maybe he might not be as big as they think he will be has anybody got ultrasound and they said your baby is overweight and came out the baby wasn’t over weight ?
Amanda
I have never heard of it. I just wanted to come to say you do what you think is best and don’t let anyone pressure you into doing something you don’t want to do. I am praying for you ♥️
27 Mar 2024
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Mercedes
Aww thanks hun I’m nervous I’m scared of c section but they said I can go natural but if his shoulders don’t fit they will have to break it to get him out
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Brittany
15 Nov 2022
Welp had Dr appointment today. Doc decided if I haven't delivered by Nov 26 my due date then I'll be induced on the 28th, which is special to me because that's my grandaddy birthday who passed away last year. They will induce because she's measuring at 9lbs and they want to avoid shoulder dystocia. Excited but nervous! 38 weeks 2 days. Oh and I'm still at 1cm
Shackera
All the best 🙏
27 Mar 2024
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Brittany
thank you
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Tish
26 Nov 2021
I have 4 more day to have her i don't know to have her natural or c section with her she have shoulder dystocia I am scared for both of us
Tish
it up to me on what I want to do
27 Mar 2024
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Jeannette
The only one that is going to guide you is God so talk to God he the only answer no matter what you going through safe delivery for you I will keep you in prayer
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Tish
24 Nov 2021
My baby has Shoulder dystocia I could have her natural or C-section i don't know what to do now
momandbaby
One of my friend has already experienced it and she had natural birth! why not to ask your doctor to be sure Tish ?
27 Mar 2024
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💙Shay💙
Isn’t this only something that happens during the birth process? Like when the heads already out and the shoulders get stuck? It happens in every 1 in 200 women. Or is there something else that’s going on with your baby with the same name?
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