Can cerebral palsy be prevented?
Cerebral palsy prevention is a common concern for many parents. While not all cases of cerebral palsy can be prevented, reducing certain risk factors can help protect your baby’s health.
CP is often caused by brain damage or abnormal development during pregnancy or birth. Regular prenatal care and avoiding harmful substances can help protect your baby’s health.
However, cerebral palsy prevention is not always possible.
- Infections during pregnancy
- Low birth weight
- Multiple births
- Premature birth
Cerebral palsy caused by congenital issues present at birth can't be prevented, but some risk factors can be managed or avoided, according to the National Institutes for Health (NIH).
If your child developed cerebral palsy and you believe more could have been done to prevent it, you may want to talk with an experienced cerebral palsy lawyer.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with a network of top CP lawyers who may be able to help your family.
Find out if we can connect you — get a free case review right now.
How to prevent cerebral palsy during pregnancy
Taking proactive steps during pregnancy can reduce the risk of cerebral palsy. Supporting a healthy pregnancy and addressing potential complications early on may help protect your baby’s development.
- Ask about special tests: Extra screenings, like ultrasounds or blood tests, can identify potential risks early.
- Avoid infection risks: Get vaccinated and wash your hands often to reduce the risk of placenta-related infections.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat nutritious foods, exercise as recommended, and avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs.
- Manage existing health conditions: Control diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid issues with your doctor's guidance.
- Visit your doctor regularly: Routine prenatal check-ups can help monitor your baby's growth, heart rate, and development.
Taking these steps may not guarantee cerebral palsy prevention, but they can significantly reduce the risks associated with CP.
By staying informed and working closely with your health care provider, you can help create the best possible environment for your baby’s growth.
How receiving a Rh factor test can help
Rhesus factor, or Rh, is an inherited protein found on the surface of red blood cells.
If this protein is detected in your blood, you are considered Rh-positive. Conversely, if your blood lacks this protein, you are Rh-negative.
Most people are Rh positive, and being Rh negative generally doesn't impact your health. However, during pregnancy, blood type incompatibility can arise.
“This is important during pregnancy because if you’re Rh-negative and the fetus is Rh-positive, you have a condition called Rh factor incompatibility.”
— Cleveland Clinic
This situation can cause the mother's immune system to attack the baby's red blood cells, potentially leading to complications.
Therefore, receiving an Rh factor test early in pregnancy is essential.
Your doctor will usually recommend this test on your first visit. If Rh incompatibility is detected, Rh immune globulin (Rhogam) can be administered to prevent complications.
In severe cases, additional interventions may be needed to protect the baby's health and reduce risks like jaundice, which is linked to different types of cerebral palsy.
The importance of treating jaundice
Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin that is commonly seen among newborns. When severe cases of jaundice go untreated, it can lead to a serious condition called kernicterus.
Kernicterus is a form of infant brain damage that results from high levels of a waste product called bilirubin in a baby’s blood. This brain injury has been shown to cause cerebral palsy, among other health conditions, like deafness, epilepsy, or developmental disabilities.
Treating jaundice early is key to cerebral palsy prevention. If a baby’s skin or eyes look yellow, parents should seek medical help right away. This is because untreated jaundice can cause permanent brain damage.
Cerebral palsy prevention during childbirth
Advancements in medical care have made childbirth safer, allowing doctors to detect and address complications earlier.
Imaging tests like ultrasounds help monitor a baby’s health and guide timely treatments. However, some risks still exist, making proper medical care crucial for cerebral palsy prevention.
- Brain damage: Head trauma during or shortly after delivery
- Intracranial hemorrhage: Bleeding in the brain before or after birth
- Perinatal asphyxia: Lack of oxygen levels during labor or delivery
- Untreated jaundice: Can create a higher risk for kernicterus
It’s essential that parents are informed about what to expect during a typical birth. If at any point you suspect that your child’s health is at risk, parents should alert a doctor or nurse immediately.
“If a patient is in active labor, a good nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:1. That way, the nurse's sole role is to monitor that patient and her baby.”
— Katie Lavender, RN
Any delay in medical attention can increase the chances that your child is born with brain or nerve damage.
If you suspect more could have been done for cerebral palsy prevention, you probably have unanswered questions.
Cerebral Palsy Guide has labor and delivery nurses on staff who are here to help at no cost.
Connect with one of our registered nurses right now.
Cerebral palsy prevention in babies
While most CP cases are linked to complications before or during birth, head injuries and infections in early childhood can still lead to acquired CP.
Acquired CP, which occurs after birth, is often linked to infections like meningitis or injuries that affect the brain. As such, by taking certain precautions, parents can help lower the risk.
- Avoiding head injuries: Always use the right car seat for your child’s weight and height, and never leave a baby on high surfaces unattended. Never shake your baby.
- Getting vaccinations: Ensure your child receives recommended vaccinations to protect against infections that can harm the brain.
- Supervising around water: Never leave a child unattended in a pool or bathtub, as drowning can cause brain damage.
- Using safe sleeping spaces: Always use a crib with proper bed rails and avoid placing soft objects like pillows or toys that could present a suffocation risk.
Taking steps to avoid these risks can support cerebral palsy prevention and safeguard your child’s well-being.
Was my child’s cerebral palsy preventable?
Many parents of children with cerebral palsy wonder if anything could have been done to prevent the condition.
Some cases of CP are unavoidable. However, there are situations when medical staff or hospitals may be responsible due to medical malpractice.
If you suspect that your child’s CP resulted from medical errors or improper care, you may have legal options. Pursuing a lawsuit could help secure the financial support needed to provide top-quality care throughout your child’s lifetime.
An experienced cerebral palsy lawyer can help determine whether your child’s cerebral palsy was preventable and guide you through the legal process.
Our legal partners have recovered over $962 million for families nationwide impacted by preventable birth injuries, including CP.
Call us right now at (855) 220-1101 or get a free case review to find out if we may be able to help your family.
