Shoulder Dystocia

[AH16]

Hello all,

My first baby had shoulder dystocia, has anyone had this with thier first baby and had a less traumatic birth the second time? Or will they offer a C section due to any increased risk?

Thank you

I had a shoulder dystocia with first baby which resulted in a third degree tear. For my second, I asked for and was granted a C section. However, I went into labour a week early in the night and although they said they would do the section anyway, by the time I arrived, the surgical team was doing an emergency. I progressed so quickly that I had given birth vaginally by the time the anaesthetist came back to me. This baby was a pound and half heavier but I had only a couple of stitches because I asked the midwife to be more hands on at the point of birth (first one was a waterbirth). I was home before he was twelve hours old! So it was a better birth and I’m glad I didn’t have the section in the end but I didn’t know it would be like that when I asked for it.

Following this thread as my first had shoulder dystocia too . I’m currently 12 weeks pregnant with baby number 2.

I was told by my first midwife that I would likely delivery the next time around vaginally no issues as your pelvis widens more second time around.

Curious to see what others say though 🤞

Yes, me!

Baby 1 had shoulder dystocia (only realised after reading Adam Kay how dangerous this was!)

Baby 2 no such issues. Both very fast labours after induction for pre eclampsia but Baby 2 really fast and no issues.

Thank you all. It was so traumatic last time. Dont know how I would cope if it happened again

They never seemed to think it was all that likely for me to have the same problem again. It was more about my blood pressure both times.

It is scary , for sure : be certain to ask your care team and make sure your care plan is really clear.

Good Luck !

My mum did. First birth like yours very traumatic, second was two pushes and the baby was out. No shoulder dystocia. The second baby was actually both taller and heavier than the first.

This is also true of me ; second birth rapid!

The first one was also fast, as it goes... until the slight delay in proceedings at the end...

Hi, sorry you had a hard time with your first baby. Like others have said, often it’s completely different the second time round. It depends a little bit how bad the shoulder dystocia was last time - most of the time with shoulder dystocia simple things will get the baby out. If it was very difficult, took a long time, created bad tears or baby was badly impacted (eg NICU admission, nerve damage) then that’s more significant. Usually your doctor or midwife would review the notes with you for this (as even when I ts “straightforward” it probably didn’t feel that way to you!). Usually a CS would be offered if it was a particularly bad shoulder dystocia last time.
Sometimes there are things that make it more likely - bigger babies, forceps or ventouse delivery, diabetes. But it’s not entirely predictable.