"Nerve compression after labour"

I had a very normal and natural labour in Wishaw General. Immediately after my baby was born, I realised I had significant tingling/pins and needles in my right arm and could not lift the arm properly. I expected it was from leaning over the upright bed to give birth and thought it would go away in a short period of time. When the issue hadnt resolved after several hours, I asked for a doctor to assess it. I was pleased that several orthopedic specialists came to review my injury that night and the following morning. They deduced I had nerve compression from leaning my underarms over the bed for ~1-2 h during the labour.

I was given physio exercises to regain control of my arm. After 8-10 weeks, I had functional use of my arm. Now at 16 weeks, I have almost normal use with minor weakness compared to my left arm, however not the strength as before the injury.

Although I received excellent care following the injury, this could have been avoided quite easily if during the labour I'd been encouraged to shift my weight slightly.