Hospital Protocol in the Event of Shoulder Dystocia
Thank you very much for all your hard work, especially as the outcome is better than expected. Can't thank you enough.
Shana, Wiltshire
It is now common practice for hospitals to have in place a "protocol" setting out the steps to be followed should shoulder dystocia occur. These steps might include the following:
- To immediately summon senior assistance.
- To change the mother's position usually by placing her on her left hand side or on her back flexing her hips back onto her abdomen.
- To apply supra-pubic pressure, i.e. to press down externally on the impacted shoulder to try and dislodge it.
- To cut a large episiotomy to enable easy access to the birth canal.
- To try and rotate the shoulders internally.
An Erb's Palsy injury usually sometimes occurs as a result of panic and , with a doctor or /midwife using excessive force in trying to pull a baby out. However, it is absolutely crucial that any traction to the baby’s head and neck is gentle, in order for to use any gentle traction to a baby's head and neck to overcome shoulder dystocia to be overcome without to causing avoid damage to the brachial plexus.