Homebirth - shoulder dystocia

[TerrysNo2]

Hi all

I am 38 weeks with number 2 and have been planning a HB throughout, we did try with DS but due to complications (back to back, expected long labour) I was transferred in.

The CMW has just been to deliver my pack and go through the checklist and she said that whilst "risk of infection" and "pain relief requirements" are a benefit of homebirth the main risk is shoulder dystocia which is when baby's shoulders get stuck on the way out.

She said that would mean baby was deprived of oxygen and an ambulance probably wouldn't get here in time to help the baby but I should be ok and that I need to understand this risk. No one has put things in such terms before and I am now petrified.

She also said its more common these days as babies are bigger and she said quote "we just don't know which baby its going to happen to" which makes me feel like I am playing russian roulette with my baby's life if I decide to go ahead with a homebirth.

I am really really upset and would love some other opinions / thoughts on this.

Thanks!

What a way to put people off home birth!! Hope you dnt minding me posting, this is my first post, but strongly support HB. You are a no more risk of a shoulder dystocia than you are in a hospital, prob less so as prseumabl you won't give birth lying on your back?! Which narrows the pelvic outlet I think?!

And all midwives are trained on dealing with emergencies in childbirth anyway.

Go for it!

Thanks everyone, I am going for it!! I am just waiting for D-Day now.....

Hi all,
I've experienced A severe SD birth with my 3rd baby. It's terrifying! He was big 10lb 5oz. He was born white, without a heartbeat and had to be resuscitated for 35mins.
Once the mw realised he was stuck everything was done to get him out and it was quick. Oh I was in hospital.
I have a SD support group on FB and most outcomes are positive but some aren't so good.
My son is doing well but didn't escape without having any difficulties.
The most common injury from SD is Erb's palsy which is a brachial plexus injury. Some recovery spontaneously, most require some physio and others require surgery. Some have permanent Erb's palsy.

Please don't worry about child birth. SD is not common. I wouldn't normally talk to expectant mothers about SD but I'm doing so as you have asked about it.

No SD can be predicted, it occurs in 1% of births or 1 in 200. Risks are higher with a large baby and for those mothers who have suffered one before.
Baby is deprived of oxygen during a Sd as their cord is compressed and so is their chest. Mw's have 5mins to get a baby out. ALL mw are trained for SD.

If you'd like to know any more just ask!
I wish you all the best x

I had an appointment with a consultant who tried to scare me with shoulder dystocia and HB. I did a bit of reading which mentioned that interventions such as forceps and ventouse can cause it (something to do with not giving baby a chance to turn when their head descents so their shoulder gets stuck). Other risk factors relate to not moving enough in birth, using certain positions and larger babies (which could be because more mothers are over weight now).

Hi, the rate quoted by royal college of obstetrics and gynae is 0.6%. If you go on there website rcog.Org.uk and search shoulder dystocia you can read both the patient info leaflet and their green top (for obstetricians/midwife) if you are interested!
It might not help the anxiety but the RCOG guidelines are the gold standard to follow for healthcare professionals. Good luck with whatever you decide.
X

Ps that 0.6% will be of all deliveries (including patients considered high risk for SD) so potentially if they are happy for you to have a home delivery your personal risk may be smaller still.