Abnormal Fetal Position/Presentation: Certain positions or presentations of the fetus during birth can increase the risk of cerebral palsy due to complications during delivery.
Birth Asphyxia/Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): Oxygen deprivation around the time of birth can lead to brain damage, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
Birth Trauma: Physical injuries sustained during birth, such as skull fractures or nerve damage, can contribute to the development of cerebral palsy.
Brain Bleeds (Intracranial Hemorrhages): Bleeding within the brain can cause damage to brain tissue, potentially resulting in cerebral palsy.
C-Section Errors and Delays/Failure to Timely Deliver: Delayed or improperly performed cesarean sections can lead to complications that increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Forceps and Vacuum Extractor Injuries: Misuse or excessive force during the use of forceps or vacuum extractors can cause trauma to the baby's head, increasing the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
Low Birth Weight: Babies born with a low birth weight are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy due to potential complications during birth or factors leading to low birth weight.
Maternal Infections: Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the baby.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS): Inhaling meconium (the baby's first stool) can lead to respiratory issues and oxygen deprivation, potentially resulting in cerebral palsy.
Mismanaged Fetal Distress (or Failure to Provide Proper Fetal Monitoring): Failure to detect and appropriately respond to signs of fetal distress can lead to oxygen deprivation and increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Mismanaged High-Risk Pregnancy (or Failure to Diagnose a High-Risk Pregnancy): Inadequate management of high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving maternal health conditions or complications, can increase the likelihood of cerebral palsy.
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL): Damage to the white matter of the brain, often due to oxygen deprivation or infection, can increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Placental Abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall can lead to oxygen deprivation in the baby, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
Premature Birth: Babies born prematurely are at a higher risk of cerebral palsy due to the increased likelihood of complications during birth or factors leading to premature birth.
Prolonged and Arrested Labor: Prolonged or arrested labor can result in oxygen deprivation to the baby, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
Twin or Multiples Pregnancy: Multiple pregnancies can increase the risk of cerebral palsy due to factors such as premature birth or complications during delivery.
Umbilical Cord Problems: Issues with the umbilical cord, such as compression or prolapse, can lead to oxygen deprivation and increase the risk of cerebral palsy.
Uterine Tachysystole/Hyperstimulation: Excessive contractions of the uterus can reduce blood flow to the baby, potentially resulting in oxygen deprivation and increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
Uterine Rupture: A tear in the uterus during labor can lead to oxygen deprivation for the baby, increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.
It is worth noting that these issues do not guarantee that a child will necessarily develop cerebral palsy. In many cases, cerebral palsy is a preventable condition. This means that medical practitioners can avoid cerebral palsy by following the standards of care for a given pregnancy, labor, or birth. If they mismanage the conditions above, cerebral palsy is much more likely to result.