Caring for a baby starts long before birth, and understanding potential risks can help parents feel more prepared. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a condition that affects movement and development, and knowing the risk factors during pregnancy and delivery can make a difference for early intervention and care.
Suppose you’re concerned that a birth injury like cerebral palsy may have occurred. In that case, consulting an experienced birth injury attorney can help you understand your rights and the options available for support.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a birth injury that impacts around one in every 345 children in the U.S., according to the CDC. It’s a brain disorder that affects movement, causing a variety of symptoms that can delay development, worsen motor function, and sometimes affect speech or eating.
Cerebral palsy affects every child differently. Some children with CP can walk while others can’t. Some experience vision or hearing challenges, while others do not.
CP usually develops before birth or during delivery, but in some cases, it can appear in early infancy. Sometimes the cause is clear, such as genetic conditions, infections during pregnancy, or trauma to the brain, but in many cases the cause is unknown.
There is currently no cure for cerebral palsy, but there are therapies, medications, and supportive treatments that can improve a child’s mobility and quality of life.
While cerebral palsy is not progressive, meaning it doesn’t worsen over time, the symptoms can change as a child grows. Ongoing medical care and adaptive therapy are often needed to help manage physical challenges and support developmental milestones.
Pregnancy Risk Factors For Cerebral Palsy Chances
Understanding potential risk factors during pregnancy helps moms take proactive steps and work closely with their healthcare providers.
Multiple Births
Twins, triplets, and other multiples are at a higher risk factor for CP. Carrying more than one baby at once increases the chances of premature birth and complications, which can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy. Babies in multiple pregnancies are also more likely to have lower birth weights or need assistance breathing at birth, which are both factors that can increase CP risk.
Maternal Infections and Health Conditions
Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, Toxoplasmosis, or Zika virus, can put a baby at risk for CP. Intrauterine infections can also potentially affect the baby’s brain development.
Exposure to toxins like mercury is another potential risk factor. Mothers with health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or preeclampsia may also face a slightly higher risk of complications that could lead to cerebral palsy. Uncontrolled diabetes, for example, can affect fetal growth and oxygen delivery.
If you are pregnant, make sure to inform your doctors about any preexisting conditions and medications so that your treatment plans can be carefully managed throughout pregnancy.
Lifestyle Factors During Pregnancy
Smoking, drinking alcohol, or taking certain medications during pregnancy can increase the risk of birth complications that contribute to CP. Poor nutrition or exposure to secondhand smoke may also play a role.
Expectant mothers should try to maintain a balanced diet rich in folic acid, iron, and calcium, and follow prenatal vitamin recommendations. Regular light exercise (when approved by a doctor) can help improve circulation and overall pregnancy health, which supports optimal fetal development.
Labor and Delivery Risks For Cerebral Palsy
Even when pregnancy goes smoothly, complications during labor and delivery can sometimes increase the risk of CP.
Oxygen Deprivation and Birth Asphyxia
When a baby doesn’t get enough oxygen during labor or delivery, it can affect brain development. Situations like prolonged labor, umbilical cord complications, or placental problems can sometimes lead to oxygen deprivation, increasing the risk of CP.
If a healthcare provider fails to act quickly when a baby shows signs of fetal distress, it can lead to lasting damage. That’s why proper monitoring during labor, including tracking the baby’s heart rate, is so critical.
Birth Trauma
Difficult deliveries or the use of instruments like forceps or vacuum extractors can occasionally cause trauma to a baby’s head or brain. While these tools can be lifesaving, they may increase the risk of certain injuries associated with cerebral palsy.
In some cases, medical negligence can contribute to birth injuries that later result in cerebral palsy, such as failing to order a timely C-section. Understanding what went wrong can help families seek answers and accountability.
Newborn Complications
Low birth weight and premature birth are among the most common risk factors during labor. Severe jaundice, infections like bacterial meningitis, or bleeding in the brain can also contribute to cerebral palsy.
Recognizing and treating complications early is critical to help improve outcomes. Newborns with jaundice, for instance, should be promptly treated with phototherapy to prevent a condition called kernicterus, which can lead to brain damage if left untreated.
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Prevented?
It’s important to understand that not all cases of CP are preventable. However, there are steps expectant mothers can take to lower the risk:
- Get regular prenatal care. Routine checkups allow doctors to monitor the baby’s development and catch potential problems early.
- Get your vaccinations to prevent infections. Getting vaccinated against illnesses like rubella and practicing good hygiene can reduce the risk of infections that may harm the baby.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices. Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and unnecessary medications while maintaining good nutrition and fitness supports a healthier pregnancy.
- Manage chronic health conditions. Moms with preexisting conditions like diabetes, thyroid disease, or epilepsy should work closely with their doctors to adjust medications and reduce risks to the baby.
- Be informed about labor and delivery options. Asking your healthcare team about emergency plans and fetal monitoring during labor can help ensure fast action if complications arise.
Even with these precautions, some risk factors cannot be controlled. That’s why early evaluation and intervention are crucial if any concerns arise during pregnancy or after birth.
Signs of Cerebral Palsy to Watch for in Babies
Parents can look for early signs of CP so that their pediatrician can evaluate the child promptly:
- Delayed motor milestones, like rolling, sitting, crawling, or walking.
- Muscle stiffness or floppiness.
- Unusual posture or repetitive movement patterns.
- Difficulty swallowing or feeding.
- Favoring one side of the body over the other.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your pediatrician. Early diagnosis can lead to therapies that improve function and quality of life. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can make a tremendous difference, especially when started early.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis and Support
When cerebral palsy is identified early, children have more opportunities to receive interventions that enhance mobility and independence. Pediatric specialists can help design therapy plans tailored to each child’s specific needs.
Families should also seek emotional and practical support. Connecting with local or national organizations for children with disabilities can provide resources, education, and community support. If you suspect your child’s CP may have resulted from a preventable birth injury, it may also help to speak with a lawyer experienced in representing families in birth injury claims to explore your legal options.
Final Thoughts
Being aware of the risk factors for cerebral palsy can help parents take proactive steps during pregnancy and after birth. While not all cases are preventable, regular prenatal care, healthy lifestyle choices, and early evaluation can make a significant difference.
If you have concerns about CP or other birth injuries, consult healthcare professionals promptly. For families navigating these challenges, connecting with birth injury resources or legal guidance can also provide support and information.
