Risks of Shoulder Dystocia: Learning the Roots of the Problem

Risks of shoulder Dystocia are often misdiagnosed or given an incorrect diagnosis despite its rarity. On the other hand, if a mistake occurs during the birth, this is quite unlikely to occur. Several additional factors also play a role in this illness. Then, what exactly are those considerations?

To learn more about this condition and all of the factors that contribute to it, read this article!

Detailed Explanation of What Risks of Shoulder Dystocia is

Shoulder Dystocia is a problem that occurs during the vaginal delivery process. It is characterized by the inability of the shoulders of a baby to give birth freely after the head has emerged. To put it another way, the head of the baby has been delivered, but unfortunately, one of its shoulders is still trapped.

The baby’s shoulder is stuck behind the pubic bone and sacrum of the mother. As a result, the actual delivery of the baby’s body will be delayed. Hence, this is the primary factor connected with injuries to the brachial plexus joint. Even though this occurrence is very uncommon, it nevertheless has the potential to be fatal.

Shoulder Dystocia is a condition that may be caused by several factors, not the least of which are pre-existing diabetes mellitus or gestational diabetes. Besides these characteristics, other primary factors might contribute to the development of risks of shoulder Dystocia.

Factors Contributing to the Roots Problem of Shoulder Dystocia

As previously said, dangerous conditions such as the risks of shoulder Dystocia only occur rarely. Nonetheless, this does not change the fact that there are circumstances that may lead to the development of such health issues.

If you have been through this experience, this may occur to you. Regardless, there are more aspects to consider, such as the following:

• The mother is diabetic
• Epidural stim
• Has a history of gestational diabetes
• Significantly overweight mother
• Various forms of labor, including manual labor
• Utilization of extraction by vacuum or forceps
• Birth beyond the expected delivery date
• Labor and delivery that endures too long
• Has an abnormally tiny pelvic opening or unusual body shape
• The pregnancy scan shows that the baby is quite big (Fetal Macrosomia)
• Delivery by induction
• The mother has had shoulder dystocia with a previous delivery

On the other hand,  there are several factors of a significant number of mothers who have babies who have shoulder dystocia that do not have any. As a result of these occurrences, a newborn will not exhibit any symptoms or signs. Then, the physician can recognize the baby with shoulder Dystocia.

Medical Professionals’ Assessment of the Risks of Shoulder Dystocia

The doctor can determine that the baby is having the risks of shoulder Dystocia, regardless that there are no symptoms associated with the condition. For instance, the possibility that your doctor of obstetrics may not become aware of this issue until after you have given birth to the head of your baby.

The “turtle sign” is the name given to the process of pulling the shoulders of the baby back toward the perineum, referring to the region that is between the vagina and the rectum.

If any of the following three conditions are present, a doctor specializing in obstetrics might be capable of identifying shoulder Dystocia in your baby:

• Your baby’s head has been born. It has come out, but their shoulders have not yet emerged and have not yet returned to their original position, even after some slight movements.
• If one minute has gone after the head of your baby has been seen, but the body has not yet emerged.
• The doctor will assess whether your baby needs medical assistance to be delivered safely.

Given the above diagnosis, the medical professionals will be required to do extra obstetric techniques to deliver the baby successfully. On the other hand, there are multiple methods of treating babies at some risks for shoulder Dystocia, provided the condition has been detected.

Best Approach to Manage Baby with Shoulder Dystocia

The doctor will discuss additional options with you before the baby is delivered if a mother has diabetes or a baby has a significant big. Also, those include the possibility of a cesarean surgery. However, if the obstetrician is aware that the baby was born with shoulder dystocia, they attempt certain procedures or maneuvers.

They may also suggest a different posture for the mother to widen their pelvis. The next step is for them to determine the best way to place the unborn child so that they can move their shoulders. Babies at high risks of shoulder Dystocia get specialized medical care.

For an example, consider the method phrase “HELPERR”. Here are some treatments:

• H or Help: Doctors ask for additional help from the other healthcare team members. Including nurses, related medical professionals, and other doctors, as needed.
• E or Evaluating the Episiotomy: The need for an episiotomy during labor is something that the doctor will determine. Next, a urinary incision is made to widen the vaginal opening, a procedure known as an Episiotomy.
• L or Legs: In this section, the obstetrician may use the McRoberts maneuver by asking the mother to press her thigh against the stomach (abdomen). This way, it will help flatten and rotate the pelvis.
• P for Pressure of Suprapubic: A doctor will exert force on the pelvis while rotating the baby’s shoulder.
• E for Enters the Maneuvers: The following involves turning the baby’s shoulders to make passing easier.
• R for Remove the labor canal using the posterior arm: A baby’s shoulders may move through the delivery canal easily if the doctor can liberate one arm.
• Another R for Roll the position: The doctor will ask the mother to put her hands to kneel to help babies travel through the birth canal.

What Should You Do If Your Baby Assessed with Shoulder Dystocia?

Finally, since the risks of shoulder Dystocia are so uncommon, mothers should not be concerned about its consequences. Also, it is still possible for the condition to manifest from the roots of the problem, like the mother with insulin resistance or a big baby.

Women with insulin resistance or concerns about a huge baby should contact a doctor before giving birth. In other words, you can obtain medical advice and treatment for insulin resistance all in one place. Then, you may expect a healthy delivery if you prioritize your and your baby’s well-being.