The arrival of a new child can bring joy, but it can also carry unexpected challenges. Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the challenges that concerns many parents. While various factors contribute to this condition, some risks arise from preventable medical errors.
This blog highlights the key elements that increase the likelihood of CP in newborns. Whether you’re a parent with concerns or someone seeking to broaden their knowledge, this information may provide crucial insights into the different factors that can significantly impact a child’s future.
What factors can contribute to cerebral palsy?
There are certain medical issues during pregnancy and birth that can raise the risk of CP in infants. These include:
- Low birth weight: Babies under 5.5 pounds face a higher CP risk. The smallest babies are the most vulnerable.
- Multiple births: Twins and triplets are also at risk, even if born on time. If one baby dies before birth, the risk goes up for the survivors.
- Maternal health issues: Mothers with thyroid problems, intellectual disabilities, excess protein in urine or seizures may be more likely to have a baby with CP.
- Toxic exposure: Mothers exposed to harmful substances like methyl mercury during pregnancy may have a higher chance of having a baby with CP.
- Pregnancy infections: Diseases like Zika and herpes can harm the baby’s developing nervous system. Labor also becomes riskier if the mother develops a fever due to infections.
Some warning signs during labor, delivery and right after birth may also indicate a higher CP risk. These signs include:
- Breech position: Babies born feet-first instead of head-first may be more likely to have CP.
- Complicated labor and delivery: Babies with breathing or blood flow problems during birth may already have brain damage.
Doctors must mitigate these risks to ensure the safety of patients and their babies. Unfortunately, some health care professionals fail to meet the standard of care, which can result in birth injuries.
Protecting your child
If you believe medical errors played a role in your child’s condition, consider seeking legal advice. With the help of a lawyer, you can take the first step towards protecting your kid’s future. They can help you review medical records and seek professional medical opinions to determine what happened during your pregnancy and the delivery.