Shoulder Dystocia, what would you do?

Question

My midwife said my son could have shoulder dystocia because of his size, he is over the 90th percentile. Shoulder dystocia occurs when a baby's head is delivered through the vagina, but his shoulders get stuck inside the mother's body. This creates risks for both mother and baby. Dystocia means slow or difficult labor or birth. Usually, the mother and the baby do well and have no permanent damage. But there may be some complications. For the baby, risks include:
Injury to the nerves of the shoulder, arms and hand. This may cause shaking or paralysis. In most cases, the problems go away in 6 to 12 months. Lack of oxygen to the brain. In the most severe cases, which are rare, this can cause brain damage and even death.
Complications for the mother include:
Heavy bleeding after birth
Tearing of the uterus, vagina, cervix or rectum
In most cases, complications can be treated and managed.

My midwife wants me to make my mind up soon because she doesn't want him to get any bigger.

It's scary not knowing what could happen doing a vaginal birth, no one will know if there are risks until he starts to come out. With doing the c-section, at least you know you will get baby out safe.

If you were in this situation, would you elect for an induction and deliver vaginal or elect for a  c-section?

Answer

I had to make this very same decision. All I could imagine was kicking myself in the ass if something terrible happened (even though very unlikely). My OB was wonderful and very honest, and he said the shoulder dystocia is the number one scariest thing for OBs. After my c section, he told me that I made the right decision, that my pelvis wouldn't have been able to accommodate baby. Now, who knows if that were true but I didn't want to risk any of those more serious complications, not that c sections are without complication. It's a lot to think about but you will come to the best decision for you. Be kind to yourself.

Answer

My friend had this with her daughter.... she chose to deliver vaginally and regrets it... her daughter's shoulder was dislocated in order to get her out, then she had to do physical therapy on her daughter daily in order for her to have full range of movement in her arm/shoulder..

Answer

I would do a c section, a friend of mines son had to have his shoulder dislocated in order to come out. She also tore into her rectum (sorry tmi) but, her and the baby were both in pain.

Answer

My baby weighed 8lbs 3oz and she got stuck on my pelvic bone and had shoulder dystocia and broke her collarbone durning delivery and I had second degree tears. I was induced at 38 weeks due to HBP but I was told that if I have another baby I will either be induced at 38 weeks again or will have a C-section because my body just cannot accommodate a baby of this size. So if I had the choice I would opt for C section. Seeing my baby in pain for three weeks while her collarbone healed and having to wrap her so she couldn't move it was awful!

Shoulder Dystocia, what would you do?

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