Questions?What Is Shoulder Dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a rare but serious complication during childbirth. It happens when a baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone after their head delivers.
If not handled quickly and carefully, this medical emergency can lead to severe birth injuries. Some parents are never told what went wrong or that the harm may have been preventable.
Here are 5 clues your child’s injury may be related to shoulder dystocia:
- Your baby’s arm or shoulder seemed weak or limp after birth
- Doctors mentioned a “stuck shoulder” or struggled to deliver your baby
- You were rushed into an emergency delivery, or extra staff flooded the room
- Your baby was later diagnosed with a nerve injury or brachial plexus damage
- No one clearly explained what happened — only that it was “unexpected”
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth asking more questions. Understanding what happened can help you take the next step toward answers, support, and accountability.
The Birth Injury Justice Center is a trusted resource for families navigating life after a traumatic birth. We work with experienced shoulder dystocia lawyers in all 50 states who help families seek justice and financial compensation for preventable delivery mistakes.
So far, our legal partners have recovered over $1 billion for families affected by birth trauma. If you believe your child’s condition could have been avoided, we’re here to help. Start your free case review right now.
Risk Factors and Causes of Shoulder Dystocia
This birth complication can happen for many reasons, and in some cases, there’s no clear explanation. Shoulder dystocia causes often involve a difficult delivery, but it can still happen when no problems are expected.
Doctors are trained to watch for risks of shoulder dystocia that could increase the chances of this medical emergency.
- Abnormal pelvic shape or size
- Being overweight, which can cause a larger baby
- Diabetes, often leading to a larger baby
- Epidural use, slowing labor or limiting pushing
- Fetal macrosomia (unusually large baby)
- History of shoulder dystocia in a previous birth
- Labor induced with oxytocin
- Multiple births (twins or more)
- Very long or very short second stage of labor
- Use of forceps or vacuum extraction
Health care providers should discuss individual shoulder dystocia risk factors with each patient and be prepared to act quickly if it occurs.
Shoulder Dystocia Complications
Complications of shoulder dystocia can lead to serious, sometimes lifelong injuries, especially when it isn’t handled quickly and correctly. The effects of shoulder dystocia on a baby range from temporary weakness to permanent brain or nerve damage.
If the baby’s oxygen supply is reduced during delivery, it can result in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a brain injury that may lead to cerebral palsy.
Some of the most serious shoulder dystocia complications for a baby include:
- Brachial plexus injuries, such as Erb’s palsy
- Fractured collarbone (clavicle) or arm
- Oxygen deprivation, which can cause brain damage
- Paralysis or reduced movement in the arm or hand
These injuries may require years of therapy or surgery. While some babies recover fully, others face shoulder dystocia long-term effects, like limited arm use, developmental delays, or lifelong care needs.
“A brachial plexus injury is often caused during childbirth when there’s excessive pulling or stretching of the neck — and that can happen when shoulder dystocia occurs.”
– Kristin Proctor, RN, C-EFM
On-staff Labor & Delivery Nurse
We have experienced labor and delivery nurses on staff who understand how birth complications happen, and when they may have been preventable. Connect with one of our nurses right now — it’s always free to talk with our team.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
Talk to A Nurse Now
Call or chat with a caring, experienced nurse right now — we’re standing by to get you help and answers.
Shoulder Dystocia Symptoms
A shoulder dystocia birth can become an emergency in seconds, but many families are not told what actually happened during delivery. Recognizing the early signs of shoulder dystocia may help explain what went wrong and why a baby needed immediate care.
- A sudden call for help or extra staff entering the room
- NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) transfer or breathing problems right after birth
- Stuck shoulders, when the baby’s body does not follow the head during pushing
- The “turtle sign,” when the baby’s head comes out and then pulls back
- Use of forceps, vacuum, or other emergency tools
These shoulder dystocia signs and symptoms are often overlooked or not fully explained to the family. If your child showed shoulder dystocia signs that the delivery team mismanaged, you may have legal options.
Is Shoulder Dystocia Medical Malpractice?
Not every case is the result of medical malpractice. However, if a doctor fails to manage known risks or respond appropriately, the outcome may be considered negligent.
Medical negligence may include:
- Applying excessive force during delivery
- Delaying a necessary cesarean delivery (C-section)
- Ignoring clear signs of fetal distress
- Misusing forceps or vacuum extraction
- Overlooking known shoulder dystocia risk factors
- Skipping standard maneuvers to free the baby
If you believe your child’s injury could have been avoided, our team can help you understand what happened and whether malpractice may have occurred. Get a free case review right now.
Treatment of Shoulder Dystocia
There is no single, correct way to treat this medical emergency. Each case is different, and doctors must be ready to use a range of strategies to prevent injury.
Proper planning is essential. A C-section may be recommended in some cases. If a vaginal delivery is attempted, the delivery team should be prepared with enough space and personnel to act quickly if complications arise.
One of the most widely accepted methods for management is the HELPERR mnemonic. Learn more about this series of maneuvers below.
HELPERR Step-by-Step
- Help: Call for immediate assistance. More doctors, nurses, or support staff may be needed to manage the emergency.
- Evaluate for episiotomy: A small incision in the perineum may create more room for the baby to be delivered, though this alone will not resolve the shoulder impaction.
- Legs (McRoberts maneuver): The mother’s legs are pulled up toward her chest. This motion flattens and rotates the pelvis, often freeing the baby’s shoulder.
- Suprapubic pressure: A care provider applies pressure just above the pubic bone to help rotate the baby’s shoulders into a better position.
- Enter maneuvers (internal rotation): The doctor reaches in to manually rotate the baby. In some cases, the baby must be pushed slightly back into the birth canal to reposition.
- Remove posterior arm: Carefully delivering the baby’s lower arm can create enough room for the rest of the body to follow.
- Roll the patient: Turning the mother onto her hands and knees (also called the Gaskin maneuver) may change the pelvic shape enough to free the baby.
There is no strict order for these steps. The delivery team must choose the safest and most effective approach based on the baby’s position and the urgency of the situation.
If these maneuvers do not work, additional methods, often called maneuvers of last resort, may be necessary. When it’s not managed properly, the baby may suffer serious harm, and families may be able to file shoulder dystocia claims.
Shoulder Dystocia Lawsuits
When delivery teams fail to properly manage this complication and it leads to serious injury, families may be able to take legal action. Shoulder dystocia lawsuits can help hold negligent health care providers accountable and recover the compensation families deserve.
A qualified birth injury lawyer can gather your medical records, consult with experts, and build the strongest case possible on your behalf.
- Ongoing medical care or surgery
- Physical and occupational therapy
- Special equipment or home modifications
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future earnings or quality of life
- Emotional distress
Many of these cases end in shoulder dystocia settlements, helping families access financial relief without going to court.
Get Legal Help for Shoulder Dystocia
If your child was injured during delivery, you deserve answers and support. Shoulder dystocia can lead to serious complications like brachial plexus palsy, but many families are often never told what really happened or that the injury could have been prevented.
The Birth Injury Justice Center has partnered with experienced lawyers who can help families in all 50 states. If you qualify, our legal partners will guide you through the process, uphold your rights, and fight for maximum compensation.
The attorneys in our network have secured more than $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries, and they may be able to help your family, too.
Contact us now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you provide a more secure future for your child.
Shoulder Dystocia FAQs
What is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is a birth complication that happens when a baby’s shoulders get stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone after delivery of the head. It can turn a routine delivery into an emergency, requiring quick action from the medical team to safely free the baby.
If not handled properly, shoulder dystocia can lead to serious injuries. This includes brachial plexus damage, broken bones, or oxygen deprivation that may cause developmental delays.
How common is shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia occurs in approximately 0.2% to 3% of vaginal deliveries. While it’s relatively rare, it remains a serious obstetric emergency due to the increased risk of injury when not managed properly.
Why does shoulder dystocia happen?
Shoulder dystocia often happens because the baby is too large, the mother’s pelvis is smaller than expected, or labor does not progress normally. Even with no warning signs, shoulder dystocia can still happen and must be managed quickly to prevent serious harm.
If your baby was harmed after shoulder dystocia, you probably still have questions. Our nurses are here to help. Call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat right now to get the answers you deserve.
What causes shoulder dystocia?
Shoulder dystocia is usually caused when the baby’s shoulders are too wide to pass easily through the birth canal after the fetal head is delivered.
Common factors that increase the risk of shoulder dystocia include:
- Fetal macrosomia (high birth weight)
- Gestational diabetes
- Improper use of delivery tools
- Induced labor
- Maternal obesity
Even when these risk factors are present, shoulder dystocia can sometimes be managed safely — but when doctors fail to act quickly, serious injuries can occur.
What do you do during shoulder dystocia?
During shoulder dystocia, the medical team must act quickly to free the baby’s shoulders and prevent injury.
Doctors use a series of maneuvers to reposition the baby or widen the birth canal. This sequence is often taught using the HELPERR mnemonic.
The goal is to relieve the impaction safely, without causing damage to the baby’s nerves or oxygen supply. If these techniques fail, doctors may need to try additional emergency methods to complete the delivery.
Can I have a normal birth after shoulder dystocia?
Yes, many women are able to have a vaginal birth after experiencing shoulder dystocia, but it depends on the circumstances.
The risk of shoulder dystocia happening again is higher if it occurred in a previous delivery, especially if the baby was large or required assistance with forceps or vacuum.
Why is shoulder dystocia so bad?
Shoulder dystocia is dangerous because it can cause serious injuries to both the baby and the mother if not handled quickly and correctly. When the baby’s shoulders get stuck after the head is delivered, there is a risk of nerve damage, broken bones, or a lack of oxygen, which can sometimes lead to conditions like cerebral palsy.
Can you have another baby after shoulder dystocia?
Yes, many women go on to have healthy pregnancies and deliveries after experiencing shoulder dystocia. However, your risk of it happening again may be higher, especially if the previous case involved a large baby or serious complications.
Your doctor may recommend additional monitoring in future pregnancies and may discuss scheduling a planned C-section.
Can shoulder dystocia cause problems later in life?
Yes, it can cause long-term problems, especially if the baby was injured during delivery. Some children recover fully, but others may face lasting effects from nerve damage or oxygen loss.
Possible long-term complications include:
- Brachial plexus injuries, like Erb’s palsy, that limit arm movement
- Chronic pain or reduced coordination
- Developmental delays if oxygen deprivation occurred
- Muscle weakness or uneven growth in the affected arm
- Permanent disability in severe cases
The impact depends on how quickly and effectively the condition was managed. Early diagnosis and physical therapy can help improve long-term outcomes.
If your delivery was complicated and you’re concerned for your child’s future, we may be able to help. Call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat with one of our caring nurses.
Is shoulder dystocia a doctor's fault?
Not always, but many shoulder dystocia injuries happen when doctors fail to respond properly. While the condition itself is often unpredictable, providers are trained to manage it.
If they delay treatment, use too much force, or overlook warning signs, it may be considered medical negligence.
Find out if your child’s shoulder dystocia birth injury could have been prevented with a free legal case review.
Can you sue for shoulder dystocia?
Yes, you may be able to sue if medical negligence caused your child’s injury. While not every case is preventable, doctors are responsible for managing known risks and responding quickly when complications arise.
Birth injury lawsuits can help families recover compensation for medical bills, therapy, long-term care, and emotional distress.
If you believe your child’s injury could have been avoided, you may qualify to take legal action. Take the first steps with a free case review right now.
