Misread of Data Slowed Response, Hurts Patient

A young woman presented to Labor and Delivery at 39.6 weeks with ruptured membranes and irregular contractions; a vaginal delivery was complicated by shoulder dystocia after prolonged induction of labor, resulting in a baby with low Apgars, respiratory distress, neonatal seizures, and permanent cognitive and developmental deficits. A lack of close collaboration between the nurse midwife and the covering obstetrician was blamed for a slow response to worrisome fetal heart rate tracings.