Shoulder Dystocia and Brachial Plexus Birth Injuries Can Be Reduced by Following Medical Protocol, Report for Physicians Says
The Family Practice News reports on a new study that found when physicians delivering babies follow a specific shoulder dystocia protocol, the incidence of birth injury to the infants can be greatly reduced. A shoulder dystocia injury may occur when the baby's shoulder becomes lodged inside the mother's vaginal canal. If the doctor uses excessive force in attempting to free the baby's shoulder -- the baby may suffer injury to the nerves in the neck and spine.
A report was presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine. It recommended a "simple standardized protocol for managing shoulder dystocia, called Code D," which a recent study found "reduced the incidence of obstetric brachial plexus injury."
A Fort Myers, Florida birth injury lawyer has knowledge regarding what constitutes medical malpractice in cases where a baby is injured during a delivery at a Fla. hospital or clinic. Erb's palsy and Erb's paralysis are conditions related to shoulder dystocia and brachial plexus birth injury, whereby the baby has difficult moving his or her hand and arm properly.
The study found that when the protocol is implemented, "The rate of obstetric brachial plexus injury in cases of shoulder dystocia fell from 40% before implementation of the Code D protocol to 14% afterward." The shoulder dystocia medical protocol recommends a "hands off" pause to assess the situation, announcing the situation to personnel present, and specific birthing maneuvers to reduce the chance of birth injury to the baby. It also recommends training for all delivery room staff, including midwives and nurses. See link below to report.
Source:
Shoulder Dystocia Protocol Reduces Brachial Plexus Injuries
Family Practice News March 11, 2011
Related Web Resource:
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Related Florida Accident Attorney Article:
Florida Erbs Palsy Birth Injury Lawyer Advice to Pregnant Women:
"Discuss Options with Your Doctor Before Entering the Delivery Room" by Attorney Debi Chalik, Dec. 9, 2010
