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.
"Nerve compression after labour"
About: University Hospital Wishaw / Maternity Care (Wards 21-24) University Hospital Wishaw Maternity Care (Wards 21-24) ML2 0DP University Hospital Wishaw / Trauma & orthopaedics University Hospital Wishaw Trauma & orthopaedics ML2 0DP
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