Kansas Shoulder Dystocia Lawyers

Shoulder Dystocia is an infrequent, but serious birth injury risk. Shoulder Dystocia occurs when the fetus is in an abnormal position and their shoulder becomes lodged in the birth canal. This can prevent vaginal delivery and if delivery does not occur, the child could suffer severe birth defects and brain injury within a matter of minutes. The most common type of injury that is sustained when shoulder dystocia occurs is asphyxiation - the vaginal canal compresses the chest so that the baby is unable to breathe.

There are certain procedures which should be implemented if this should occur. Several maneuvers are tried sequentially to try and disengage the anterior shoulder from the birth canal.

1. McRobert's Maneuver: The mother's thighs are hyper-flexed to widen the pelvic outlet and pressure is applied to the maternal pubic bone where the medical team will try and rotate or dislodge the shoulder from the birth canal. By performing this maneuver, the medical attendant should be able to change the position of the baby, making vaginal delivery possible. Fundal pressure (pressure on the abdomen) should be avoided during instances of shoulder dystocia, as this can cause serious injury to the baby. The McRobert's Maneuver effective resolves 50-60% of should dystocia cases.

2. Wood's Screw Maneuver: In this procedure, the obstetrician inserts a hand into the birth canal and progressively rotates the baby to try and dislodge the shoulder.

3. Zavanelli Maneuver: Used as a last resort, this procedure involves the obstetrician flexing the baby's head and inserting it back into the mother's womb. The child is then delivered via cesarean section. This maneuver is risky to both baby and mother and is still debated among medical professionals.

Possible risks associated with the Zavanelli Maneuver include:

• Post birth seizures
• Permanent neurological injury
• Permanent Erb Palsy
• Ruptured uterus
• Uterine lacerations
• Death

Giving birth can be a wonderful, but scary experience. As an expectant mother, any complications in the birth process are overwhelming and frightening. Although risks are present with any type of birth, those associated with shoulder dystocia are even greater. If an obstetrician is not prepared or qualified to perform certain birthing procedures, you and your baby could suffer. If you obstetrician does not perform the birthing procedures correctly, you are also at risk.

Please call one of our experienced Kansas Shoulder Dystocia lawyers at Prochaska, Giroux & Howell, for your free consultation.