In some cases, a baby can suffer an injury to their arm following birth. Not only can there be an injury to the arm, but in some instances an injury to the hand can also occur. For parents who are experiencing this with their child, there can be many questions, namely, what can cause a baby to have an arm injury at birth?

 

For the purposes of this educational article, I would like to explore the medial condition called shoulder dystocia from a medical malpractice standpoint and how in some circumstances it can lead to the types of injuries mentioned above.

 

WHAT IS SHOULDER DYSTOCIA?

 

What can cause a baby to have an arm injury at birth? Shoulder dystocia can cause an injury to a baby’s limb at birth. Shoulder dystocia is a condition in which a baby is trapped behind the mother’s pelvis during a vaginal delivery. It creates an emergency in the delivery room because if doctors do not work to free the baby serious injury, or death can occur.

 

Some of the risk factors for shoulder dystocia can include:

 

  • Increasing Baby Weight
  • Prolonged 2nd  Stage of Delivery
  • Diabetes
  • Gestational Diabetes (A form of diabetes experienced during pregnancy)
  • Previous Shoulder Dystocia

 

 

WHAT CAN CAUSE A BABY TO HAVE AN ARM INJURY AT BIRTH?

 

One way in which a baby can suffer an injury during a shoulder dystocia complication is for doctors to use too much force freeing the baby. Doctors are thought certain maneuvers (Woods Corkscrew Maneuver, Rubin Maneuver, Mc Roberts Maneuver, etc.…) to help free a baby during shoulder dystocia.

 

In addition to improperly executing maneuvers to free the baby, causes for injury can also occur when doctors are not prepared to handle a shoulder dystocia emergency in the delivery room. For example, when the doctor is not experienced enough to handle a shoulder dystocia complication. Or, the doctor does not timely diagnose the condition, leading to a delay in treatment and subsequent injury.

 

HAVE THE DOCTORS TOLD YOU THAT YOUR CHILD’S ARM INJURY WILL BE PERMANENT?

 

Has the doctor informed you that your child will be dealing with a limb injury long-term? For example, has the doctor diagnosed the baby with a brachial plexus injury? If you would like to speak with me further regarding your child’s injury pick up the phone and give me a call.

 

I invite you to do. Pick up the phone and give me a call. I can be reached at 301-850-4832 or 1-833-4 BABY HELP. I answer Maryland birth injury and medical malpractice questions just like yours all the time and I will be happy to listen to your story.

 

Marcus B. Boston, Esq.

Boston Law Group, LLC

2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 700

Chevy Chase, Maryland 20815

bostonlawllc.com

301-850-4832

1-833-4 BABY HELP

 

 
Marcus Boston is a Maryland medical malpractice attorney who helps people navigate the Maryland childbirth injury and medical malpractice process to get money for their injuries caused by the carelessness of doctors and hospitals. BLG handles cases in Prince George’s County, Baltimore City, Montgomery County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and all other Maryland Counties. blgesq.com