Delivering the Child Headfirst
If the child’s head gets stuck, the head will most likely pull away from the shoulders. This results from shoulder dystocia, where the child’s head gets stuck behind the mother’s cervix. The doctors and the nurses might be in a bit of a panic because they need to get the child out quickly to prevent dangerous conditions from arising from a lack of oxygen. As a result, they might pull too hard on the child to deliver him, leading to them developing this birth disorder. In many ways, it is still better than cerebral palsy, which will be with you for a lifetime. Meanwhile, Erb’s palsy will usually clear up within six months.
Pulling on the Arms Forcefully
Another one of the potential Erbs palsy causes, when the doctor pulls on the arms forcefully, it can cause the child to have his brachial plexus nerves damaged. In some cases, a nurse might pick up a child from the arms rather than supporting their frame, which is another way people have gotten this condition. In rare cases, the child might come out arms first, which can put an unnatural level of stress on the child as it gets delivered.
Getting It from a C-Section?
You do have cases where you will get this condition from a C-section. Some doctors have said that the lateral traction during a C-section can cause this condition. In general, you don’t normally have to worry too much about this. Only one percent of C-sections will result in your child getting this condition, but it can still happen.
Breech Delivery
In many cases, doctors will choose to do a C-section if a child is in the breech position. In this way, they don’t have to worry as much about unnecessary complications from arising. One of the big risks to the child from a breech delivery comes from the fact that the child could get stuck. Even if the child didn’t get stuck, you still have some risks to the child.
How treatment proceeds if your child has Erb’s palsy, will largely depend on the severity of the case. Most of the time, treatment will involve massaging the arms to improve the range of motion. Physical therapy might also be used as a way of helping the child to feel better. Getting treatment does matter because if you fail to get treatment, it can lead to full-on paralysis of the arm.