It can seem like childbirth is the most natural thing to do, until it’s not. You may not believe it when you experience something that you didn’t expect. It was shoulder dystocia, a term that I’d never heard of before it became a reality.
The Birth that Changed Everything: Shoulder Dystocia During Childbirth
It seems like yesterday that our firstborn was born. His little (well, not so little) body emerged from the world after what seemed like an eternity. The warm and wet cone-shaped head was placed gently on my chest. For a moment, all else seemed to fade away. We both looked at each other in amazement, filled with relief, love and surprise.
The midwife replied, “He is a big boy, isn’t it?” Still trying to process this surreal moment, I asked. She nodded and smiled, confirming our deepest suspicions. He wasn’t the biggest baby, but at 4.2kg and 56cm, he was big enough to be noticed.
What a grand entrance!
The Pushing Feels Off
The early stages of labour were textbook. Yes, it was painful, but it was manageable. We were optimistic as the contractions and dilation continued to progress. As soon as I reached the 10cm milestone and was told to push, there was something wrong.
I pushed for two hours nonstop, but I didn’t feel that “urge to press” everyone speaks about. At the time, I had no idea what this sensation should feel like. I assumed that it would eventually click.
After two more children, I am confident that I know what this urge is. It’s also clear that I didn’t feel it the first time. Deep down, I knew that something was wrong.
My baby’s head, measuring a massive 37cm, was stuck in the birthing canal. My midwife told me that my baby’s head may not have been properly tucked into his chest. This positioning allows the baby to move more smoothly through the birth canal. It was probably extended backward, and each time I pushed it made the situation worse. Imagine pushing a square peg into a round hole; that was essentially the situation.
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A Midwife’s Senses
In retrospect, I’m grateful to my midwife for her instincts. She acted quickly when something was not going well. She immediately called for help and transferred me from the dimly lit birthing centre to a more clinical delivery room. The whole thing happened so quickly that I had no time to feel scared. I just knew there was something wrong.
The next few moments were a blur. The obstetrician delivered my baby’s face using forceps after three unsuccessful attempts with a ventouse, a suction device that is used for difficult deliveries. The moment I saw my baby’s face was the most intense physical experience of my life.
We exhaled, believing that the worst had passed.
We were wrong.
The shoulders wouldn’t follow
Nothing happened. Instead of the satisfying final push that usually follows the birthing of the head.
Just… nothing.
The body of my baby didn’t follow.
The words “Shoulders stuck” were etched in my mind forever.
Shoulder Dystocia – What is it?
It is called Shoulder Dystocia. This rare but serious obstetrical condition occurs when the shoulders of a newborn baby get caught behind the pubic bone of the mother after the head’s been delivered. This is a rare but common obstetrical emergency that affects about 1% of vaginal deliveries.
Even the most experienced medical professionals can be frightened by this scenario. After the head of the baby is delivered, there’s only a 60-second window to safely deliver the remainder of the body. Shoulder dystocia, if not treated quickly, can cause complications for the mother and baby.
Risks to the baby include:
- Nerve Injuries: Shoulder or arm (Brachial Plexus Injuries)
- Fractures in the upper arm or collarbone
- Bruising
- A lack of oxygen can cause brain damage and even death in extreme cases.
Statistics may sound alarming, but I want to reassure you that less than 0.5% suffer from long-term consequences. The majority of cases are safely resolved thanks to quick action and skilled treatment.
What We Aim To Do
My son was fortunate to be born healthy and alert. He was alert and healthy despite the dramatic birth. When his body was finally released, his cries filled the room. We knew then that he was fine.
The journey did not end here.
What Impact Does It Have on Me?
Although our baby was uninjured, I wasn’t as fortunate.
A lot of tears were caused by the force and complications during delivery. After my birth, I was taken straight to the operating room for stitches. Yes, I was sore but also grateful. Today, my body feels stronger than ever. I can now run, jump and do all the things I used to, both the mundane and fun.
Shoulder dystocia is more likely to cause tears during delivery. The mother is also at risk of:
- Uterine Rupture
- Heavy bleeding after delivery
- Loss of uterine vigour
- Emotional trauma
Most of these complications are temporary and treatable, as was the case with me. Physical healing can take time, and emotional recovery is often even more difficult.
Why do we need to talk about this
Initially, I was hesitant to tell my story. Birth stories can be deeply personal, sacred and vulnerable. When they include fear, emergency procedures or anything out of the ordinary, they can be uncomfortable.
We need to talk about our experiences.
We don’t want to scare off new parents or expectant mothers. We don’t want to dramatise the birth of a child. We want to inform and prepare people, not make them afraid.
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No one told me I had shoulder dystocia when I was pregnant. It wasn’t mentioned in baby books, nor was it discussed in prenatal classes. It seemed like an untouchable, rare scenario. It happened to me.
Birth is a part of life, but it’s not the end.
After my first vaginal delivery, I had two more. Both deliveries were simple, and only minor grazing was experienced. No tearing, no drama, no complications. It’s just the raw, beautiful intensity that comes with bringing new life into the universe.
The first birth was an outlier, not the norm. It still matters. Each story is important.
My son is almost seven years old. He is strong, bright and full of energy. You would never guess his dramatic entrance into the world. Maybe that’s why these moments are so important. They don’t define who we are, but they shape us.
The Expectant Parents Out There
What you need to know if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant:
- The majority of births are relatively safe. Your care team will be trained to deal with shoulder dystocia, a rare but serious complication.
- Listen to your gut instinct. Speak up if you feel something is off while in labour. Your voice matters.
- Take care of yourself. Birth can be unpredictable. You are strong and did something amazing, no matter how it unfolds.
- Tell us about it. All stories are important. The good, bad, miraculous, traumatic, it’s all a part of your story. Sharing your story can help others feel less alone.
Wrapping up
Even though childbirth does not always go as planned, it is still a powerful and worthwhile experience. It was a beautiful, healing, transformative and birth for my son.
You’re not alone. You are not alone. If this is the first time you’ve heard of “shoulder dystocia,” then I hope that this story will empower you with knowledge and not fear.
We learn more the more that we speak. The more we learn, the stronger we are together.
