How is Erb's Palsy Preventable?

Here are some common questions and answers about Erb’s Palsy and shoulder dystocia.

Planning: Erb's Palsy can be prevented if the mother’s medical team has done their homework. If the mother-to-be has been monitored prenatally and attention to details have been noted, the doctor informs the hospital that the baby’s size may be an issue. Beginning obstetricians or general practice doctors should not be delivering this baby unless expert supervision as well as a trained staff is available for this type of potential birth injury. When a baby suffers Erb’s Palsy, this may be considered medical malpractice.

Can I avoid Erb’s Palsy?

That depends. Mothers whose babies weigh more than 8.5 pounds run the risk of Erb’s Palsy. Since our society is becoming more obese plus gestational diabetes and maternal diabetes has become more prevalent – the risk of Erb’s Palsy is greater with each mother-to-be.

What causes Erb’s Palsy?

Erb’s Palsy usually happens when too much force is applied to baby's head as the doctor tries to pull out the baby stuck in the birth canal. Size matters. The baby may be too large to fit through the birth canal easily.

How to prevent Erb’s Palsy?

Pregnant women need to be health and common sense savvy during pregnancy. Now is not the time to pig out on all your favorite fatty foods in triplicate. Pregnant women must educate themselves about healthy pregnancies and take some responsibility by knowing what questions to ask your healthcare professionals and then abiding by their advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about monitoring your blood sugar. Eat fruits and vegetables instead of potato chips and chocolate chip cookies. Learn the risk factors and what you can do to avoid them. If you are at risk, ask your doctor about C-delivery vs. vaginal delivery.

Erbs Palsy from Medical Malpractice?

Is Erb’s Palsy treatable?

Some babies recover from Erb's Palsy on their own. Some babies will require specialist intervention.

Some babies younger than one year old will recover full range of motion of their arm. Others, as they age, will not have full arm range of motion and may develop arthritis. Frequently, surgeries and ongoing physical therapy will be required.

Is Erb’s Palsy permanent?

With most babies, Erb’s Palsy is not permanent or can be corrected through surgery and physical therapy. Yet, for an unfortunate 20 percent, the birth injury is so severe that damage to the arm or shoulder is permanent. What is particularly mortifying is Erb’s Palsy is preventable.

Should I get a C-section to prevent shoulder dystocia?

This is a question better discussed between you and your doctor. If you have risk factors for shoulder dystocia, a C-section can be a wise recommendation.

Shoulder dystocia is an obstetrical emergency caused by compression of the umbilical cord within the birth canal preventing the baby from being delivered.

C-section delivery should be decided pre-labor not when complications ensue from a vaginal delivery. A C-section delivery can be alternately as dangerous or worse when performed after a vaginal delivery in crisis.

Can moving during labor help prevent shoulder dystocia?

Oddly enough – yes. There are different positions or maneuvers to help the mother and baby prevent shoulder dystocia. A seasoned obstetrician and neo-natal staff will be knowledgeable about these techniques. Less experienced doctors and non-specialized staff will not be useful in these procedures.

The McRoberts maneuver, successful in about 42 percent of the time, involves hyperflexing the mother's legs tightly to her abdomen. Doing this widens the pelvis and flattens the spine in the lower back. If this maneuver is not successful, an assistant applies pressure on the lower abdomen and the delivered head is gently pulled.

The Gaskin maneuver involves moving the mother to an all fours position with the back arched, widening the pelvic outlet.

Barnum's maneuver delivers the posterior shoulder first, in which the forearm and hand are identified in the birth canal, and gently pulled.

For the Zavanelli maneuver, the fetal head is pushed back in, then, a C-section is performed.

Do you have an Erb’s Palsy medical malpractice lawsuit?

Talk to a Lawyer