Does shoulder dystocia cause cerebral palsy? No, shoulder dystocia does not directly cause cerebral palsy. These are two separate birth complications with different effects on a baby.
Shoulder dystocia happens when a babys shoulder gets stuck behind the mothers pubic bone after the head comes out during delivery. It is rare, affecting about 0.6 to 1.4 percent of normal births and up to 5 to 9 percent when the baby is large.[3] Doctors must act fast with special moves to free the shoulder. If they pull too hard on the head or neck, it can stretch or tear nerves in the brachial plexus, a bundle near the neck that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand.[1][2][3]
This nerve damage leads to Erb’s palsy, also called brachial plexus birth palsy. The baby may have a weak or paralyzed arm on one side, with the arm hanging limp like a waiters tip. Other signs include trouble lifting the arm, bending the elbow, or gripping things.[1][2][4] In mild cases, therapy helps recovery. In severe ones, 20 to 30 percent of babies have lasting problems.[3] Risk factors include big babies over 4.5 or 5 kg, mothers with diabetes, or past shoulder dystocia.[1]
Cerebral palsy is different. It affects muscle control and movement because of brain damage, often from lack of oxygen during birth. It shows up as stiff muscles, tremors, or trouble walking, and impacts about 1 in 345 kids.[3] Shoulder dystocia itself does not harm the brain. But if the baby is stuck too long, it might cut off oxygen and lead to issues like hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, a type of brain injury that can cause cerebral palsy.[6][7]
Prolonged labor raises risks for both shoulder dystocia and oxygen loss, which links to cerebral palsy.[6][7] Still, the main issue from shoulder dystocia is arm and shoulder nerve injury, not brain damage. Proper care during delivery prevents most harm.
Sources
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/erbs-palsy-claims/erbs-palsy-guide/
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://prosperlaw.com/medical-malpractice-childbirth/
https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/medical-negligence/birth-injury-claims/erbs-palsy-claims/
https://www.lawfirm.com/erbs-palsy/erbs-palsy-lawsuit/
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/blog/prolonged-labor-effects-on-baby-complications/
https://www.bila.ca/prolonged-labour-effects-on-baby/
https://cklegal.com/when-time-is-of-the-essence-recognizing-the-signs-of-medical-emergencies-doctors-often-miss/
https://www.beamlegalteam.com/blog/birth-injuries-in-multiples-why-twins-and-triplets-face-higher-risks/
