What Puts A Child At Risk For Developing Cerebral Palsy?

There are many risk factors for cerebral palsy. They can include:
• Premature (early) birth
• Low birth weight
• Blood clotting problems
• Inability of the placenta to provide the developing fetus with oxygen and nutrients
• RH or A-B-O blood type incompatibility between mother and infant
• Infection of the mother with German measles or other viral diseases in early pregnancy
• Bacterial infection of the mother, fetus or infant that directly or indirectly attack the infant's central
nervous system
• Prolonged loss of oxygen during the birthing process
• Severe jaundice shortly after birth
It is important to understand that even if a child does have a risk factor it does not mean that the child will
definitely get cerebral palsy. It just means that the chance of a child getting cerebral palsy is increased. Just
because a risk factor is there does not mean cerebral palsy WILL occur. Or, if a risk factor is not there, it
doesn't mean that cerebral palsy will NOT occur. If a risk factor is present, it simply serves to alert parents
and physicians to be even more observant to the infant's development.