Texas Birth Injuries: Nine Risk Factors for Shoulder Dystocia

This month a Victoria mother filed a Texas birth injury lawsuit against the Victoria Women’s Clinic as well as her obstetrician. In the suit she claims that her doctor should have known that she and her baby were at high risk for a common and serious birth complication: shoulder dystocia.

Shoulder dystocia occurs in an estimated one in one hundred births – and can have very serious and permanent consequences for both the mother and the child involved. When the infant’s shoulder is trapped behind a mother’s pelvic bone, it could result in paralysis, nerve damage, brain damage, and even infant death.

What are the risk factors associated with shoulder dystocia?

1. If the mother has a history of shoulder dystocia complications in previous births. 
2. If the mother suffers from diabetes. 
3. If the mother is overweight or obese. 
4. If the mother has a short stature. 
5. If the mother has an abnormal pelvic structure. 
6. If the delivery is taking place after the due date. 
7. If the baby has an above average gestational weight. 
8. If the first or second stage of labor is protracted. 
9. If forceps or a vacuum is used during delivery.

In some cases, it is difficult to predict shoulder dystocia. However, in other cases enough risk factors exist that doctors can respond effectively to the issue early. If you or your infant were injured during a birth involving should dystocia – and if you believe the injuries should have been prevented – you should speak with a Dallas birth injury lawyer immediately. Call Rasansky Law Firm today.