My LO was born a year ago with her hand on her head. The doctor called it a "compound birth", since 2 parts presented at once. I've since read about it, and it seems compound births like this happen relatively rarely... about 1 in 700 births. I've never heard of anyone else experiencing this and am wondering if anyone here has?
I have a feeling her presentation is the reason why I was in labor for 34 hours and maybe also why there were some decels (well that, and she also had the cord around her neck... her arm may actually have been between the cord and her neck though, I'm not sure). I don't think my doctor was aware of her position until she was on her way out. I'm so glad she was born safely and that I was able to avoid a c-section. I did have 2nd degree tears, but I'm not surprised as she was almost 9 lbs and had a big head (and then her hand)!
I've looked at the risk factors for this happening and my LO doesn't fit any of them... she wasn't small, wasn't premature, etc... the only one that maybe fits is that I could have a larger pelvis...when I had her I was 5'8" and size 8-10, but definitely curvier/hippier).