Shoulder dystocia previously now pregnant again

[FarmBaby3]

My second child had shoulder dystocia. He was 9lbs 1oz. I'm now pregnant with my third child and I'm worried this baby will be bigger and more likely to get stuck. I would like to avoid csection if at all possible as we live very remote.

Has anyone managed to ask for early induction in a similar situation? Or had a big subsequent baby afterwards without shoulder dystocia?

Did you have unmanaged Gestational Diabetes or anything?

if not, a bigger baby that size solely shouldn’t be the reason for shoulder dystocia. Your pelvis is designed to fit the size baby you grow. However I believe when blood glucose levels are very high, it can cause the fat in baby to be concentrated more around shoulders, which can impact.

Did you have an epidural? The ideal would be able to move during labour to help the baby navigate the birth canal. The runners pose is supposed to be best for shoulder dystocia if you notice it occurring.

I wouldn’t suggest induction as that’s actually a risk factor for shoulder dystocia. You don’t want to force the baby out before it’s ready and before it’s in an optimal position. I’d suggest if no case of GD, then plan for no epidural and keeping moving during labour- no lying on back, etc.

My eldest had shoulder dystocia and has been left with erbs palsy. He was 10lb 4oz
My second was 10lb 5oz and was delivered fine.
Because of what happened with my first, the doctors were very very cautious. Talk to them about your fears, find out what plans they have put in place.

I had shoulder dystocia with DC1, in that only one shoulder was stuck (not both), and it was resolved quickly (McRoberts manoeuvre) with no injuries to either of us, luckily. Baby was 9lb4 but I was (and still am) convinced that he only got stuck because the midwife forced me to lie on my back on a bed - not an optimum position for birthing the baby (convenient for medical professionals but not actually the best way to open your pelvis).

When pregnant with DC2 they were all very worried about shoulder dystocia but I gave birth with no intervention and on all fours, and it was absolutely fine. Baby was 9lb1 so not much smaller.

I would advise against induction tbh as I believe there is a higher risk of shoulder dystocia with interventions, I can't remember a source off the top of my head but it's not just based on my own experience.

Have a look at the research and guidelines about shoulder dystocia and inductions.

Meant to write that I had mild shoulder dystocia

I did not have GD. I was tested for it. I did not have an epidural. I was leant over the back of the bed while pushing.

I have read the NICE guidelines however they suggest c-section over induction.

It was quickly resolved with the McRoberts manoeuvre too. I'm glad to hear that others have gone on to have others without any issues.

Thanks for the input.

My second was unexpectedly big - 10lbs 9oz. Shoulder dystocia and mild erbs palsy that luckily healed within a couple of years. The birth was so traumatic that I was panic stricken with my third pregnancy and was at the doctors as soon as I tested positive to ask for a commitment that I would have an elective section. The doc was very compassionate and reassuring. In the end our third baby wasn't to be, but I really understand you how feel and would urge you to discuss your fears with your team. Good luck xx