Shoulder Dystocia risk with second birth

[A11Good]

I am currently 40 plus 2 weeks, with my second baby. During my first labour with my two year old daughter, I was rushed into theatre as she was suffering shoulder dystocia, it was a pretty traumatic birth for myself and my baby. Due to the complications with my previous labour and the increased likelihood of shoulder dystocia reoccurring I have had several consultant appointment. As I have a toddler I haven’t been keen to have a c section but am willing to do whatever is safest for the baby. Initially the consultant said if I went over my due day they would do a c section. I had an appointment last week and he has now said he’s happy to let nature take its course and if the baby doesn’t arrive by 41 plus 5, I will be induced. My growth scan is showing the baby is already over 9lbs, I’m concerned that letting him go so over means he’ll be near 10lbs and this alongside being induced can both increase the risk even more of shoulder dystocia. My community midwife has also said she’s not happy with this change of plan. I just wanted to know people's experiences after previous shoulder dystocia. I just don’t want to put my baby in a unnecessary risk.

Hi @A11Good, you should be the one making a final decision (providing resources are there, ie induction or CS available) based on the absolute risks and scanning (scanning should inform their recommendations). I understand not wanting a CS but if you feel that induction at 41+5 is not what you want, they should listen to you. Doctors make recommendations but you need to be happy with these.

Im really quite shocked they havnt induced you already

I just wanted to say that if you did choose section, I had one last Tues (prev awful labour) and it was actually a great experience. I too have a tolder and can honestly say it's really been a lot easier than I thought it would have been.

If you did decide to go down that route I would definitely recommend having a lot of support around you (if you can / do) as my husband has been around to do all the things I couldn't do at first etc. (Also, lots of regular pain relief - although, I haven't needed any for several days now).

Good luck for whatever you choose and congratulations x

I was in sane situation. Consultant told me I had a 1/10 chance of another dystocia and 1/100 chance of a dead baby. I didn’t want a ca but that made up my mind and I had one.

Apologies for all typos in that but hopefully it makes sense!

No experience of shoulder dystocia, but just wanted to say that grown scans/size estimates during pregnancy are notoriously inaccurate.

In your shoes I would look up positions/manoeuvres that can minimise your chances of one occurring in the first place, and that can help dislodge one should it occur - I think it might be called the McRoberts manoeuvre..?

How big was your first baby, and when did they arrive?

I had shoulder dystocia with my first baby and was strongly advised to have a c section, which I did at 38 weeks so avoid the risk of going into labour. I'm really shocked anyone is suggesting anything other than a c section. I found recovering from the c section much easier than the battering I took while they wrestled my first one out.

C section with my second, I mean

Why is the consultant just ‘telling you’ what he is going to do. He can make recommendations but it’s ultimately your choice whether to consent or not. You should be supported in knowing all the options and what the potential risks/benefits are in order to make your own informed decision.