What Are The Types Of Injuries Which Can Result From Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia can lead to injuries that affect the baby’s arm, hand, shoulder, and brain. The extent of the injury will depend on what area of the body is injured. Injuries to the limbs can occur due to a brachial plexus injury, in which the brachial plexus is a network of nerves starting from the neck leading into the upper part of the shoulder. The use of excessive force utilized to free the baby during shoulder dystocia can cause the nerves to be damaged. As mentioned above, a brain injury can arise due to a compressed umbilical cord. Found below are typical shoulder dystocia injuries that can occur:
Erb’s Palsy: The child will have paralysis of the arm
Klumpke’s Palsy: Babies suffering from Klumpke’s Palsy will experience paralysis in the forearm and hand.
Cerebral Palsy/Developmental Delays: Due to the serious risk of the umbilical cord being compressed, the baby can suffer from a reduced level of blood and oxygen. Once this occurs, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy may be the result.
Brachial Plexus Injuries: Injuries to the brachial plexus nerves
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