Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects up to 4 out of every 1,000 live births in the U.S. Typically caused by brain damage before or during birth, it can affect a child’s movement, muscle tone, and posture, resulting in lifelong challenges with mobility and coordination.
While not all cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented, expectant parents and healthcare providers can take proactive measures to reduce the risk.
Learn how to help prevent CP and warning signs that a provider may not be following proper care standards. If your child was diagnosed with CP and you suspect medical negligence, speak with an experienced Chicago birth injury lawyer to learn your legal options.
What Causes Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy occurs when a baby’s brain develops abnormally or suffers damage before, during, or shortly after birth. Some of the most common causes include:
- Oxygen Deprivation (Birth Asphyxia): A lack of oxygen to the brain during labor and delivery can lead to brain damage.
- Maternal Infections: Certain infections during pregnancy, such as rubella, chickenpox, and cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk.
- Premature Birth: Babies born before 37 weeks have a higher likelihood of developing CP due to underdeveloped organs and increased vulnerability to brain injury.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Head trauma from a difficult birth, prolonged labor, or the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors can lead to CP.
- Medical Negligence: Errors made by doctors, nurses, or hospitals during labor and delivery, such as failing to monitor fetal distress or delaying necessary interventions, can cause irreversible brain damage.
While some risk factors are unavoidable, others can be managed through careful prenatal care and responsible medical practices.
Prenatal Care Strategies to Reduce Cerebral Palsy Risk
Prioritizing maternal health during pregnancy lowers the risk of cerebral palsy. Here are the steps expectant mothers can take:
Get Regular Prenatal Checkups
Consistent prenatal care, ideally beginning within the first four weeks of pregnancy, helps doctors monitor your baby’s development and identify potential risks early. Routine screenings, ultrasounds, and blood tests can detect infections, high blood pressure, or other conditions that could lead to complications.
Prevent and Manage Maternal Infections
Many infections that increase the risk of cerebral palsy can be avoided or managed with proper prenatal care. Pregnant women should:
- Get vaccinated against preventable infections like rubella.
- Practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infections like toxoplasmosis.
- Seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms of infection.
Maintain a Healthy Pregnancy
A mother’s overall health is vital to the baby’s development. To promote a healthy pregnancy:
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and illicit drugs, as they can contribute to fetal brain damage.
- Maintain a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like folic acid, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Control chronic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure to prevent pregnancy complications.
Monitor Fetal Movements and Report Concerns
Feeling your baby’s kicks and movements is a good indicator of fetal health. Starting around week 20, use kick counts to determine a baseline for their movements. If you notice a sudden decrease in movement, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Early intervention can prevent potential complications.
Safe Labor and Delivery Practices That Lower CP Risk
While prenatal care helps support a baby’s development, labor and delivery are just as crucial in preventing complications that can lead to CP. Healthcare professionals should take these steps to ensure a safe birth:
Avoid Unnecessary Delivery Interventions
Certain medical interventions, such as unnecessary C-sections, induced labor, or excessive force during delivery, can increase the risk of brain injury. While some interventions are necessary for safety, they should only be used when medically justified and performed by those with proper training.
Ensure Proper Fetal Monitoring
Doctors and nurses are responsible for monitoring fetal heart rate and distress signals during labor. Failure to recognize and respond to oxygen deprivation can result in preventable brain damage leading to CP.
Immediate Treatment for Birth Complications
If complications arise during delivery, such as umbilical cord prolapse, prolonged labor, or breech positioning, medical professionals must act quickly to prevent oxygen deprivation or trauma.
While many cases of CP are unavoidable, some are the direct result of medical mistakes that should never have happened.
Know the Signs: When to Seek Additional Medical Advice
Early detection of cerebral palsy can improve your child’s quality of life by making sure they receive the right therapies and interventions. If your child is missing developmental milestones like sitting up, crawling, or walking, consult a doctor immediately. Other early signs include:
- Poor muscle control or stiff movements
- Trouble swallowing or feeding
- Difficulty with coordination and balance
When Medical Negligence Causes Cerebral Palsy
Sometimes, despite parents’ best efforts, a baby may still develop cerebral palsy due to medical negligence. Some common errors that can lead to CP include:
- Failure to diagnose or treat infections during pregnancy
- Delayed C-section despite signs of fetal distress
- Improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction
- Failure to monitor oxygen levels and respond appropriately
When faced with a CP diagnosis, the emotional weight can be overwhelming. You may question what went wrong, wonder if it could have been prevented, and feel uncertain about the future.
If you suspect that a doctor’s negligent actions led to your child’s cerebral palsy diagnosis, you have the right to file a birth injury claim against the provider. Legal action can provide compensation for medical care, therapy, and long-term support.
Contact Our Chicago Birth Injury Lawyers for Legal Guidance
At Beam Legal Team, we can guide you through the legal process, helping you understand the cause of your child’s condition and options for protecting their future.
We specialize in birth injury claims, meaning we have the experience and resources needed to fight for families affected by medical negligence. Let us handle the legal aspects of your claim so you can focus on giving your baby the attention and care they need to thrive.
Time is critical in birth injury cases. Contact us today to explore your legal options for getting the financial compensation your child deserves.