Is maternal fever during pregnancy linked to cerebral palsy? Some studies point to a possible connection through maternal infections that cause fever and lead to inflammation in the baby, but the evidence is not direct or conclusive.
Maternal fever often comes from infections during pregnancy. These infections can pass to the unborn child and spark inflammation. Inflammation harms the developing brain and raises the risk of cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle control due to brain damage before or during birth.[5]
For example, prolonged rupture of membranes, or PROM, lasts 24 hours or more before birth. PROM links to higher inflammation markers like C-reactive protein in newborns. One study from Norway’s Cerebral Palsy Register found PROM tied to later cerebral palsy cases. Experts think neonatal infection plays a role, even without clear signs of illness in the baby.[1]
Fever itself acts as a sign of infection. When a pregnant woman has fever, her body fights germs that might reach the baby. This process can cause swelling in the baby’s brain area, a key step in cerebral palsy development. Infections during pregnancy top the list of risks that transfer this way.[5]
Not all fevers lead to problems. Many factors matter, like how long the fever lasts, how high it gets, and if doctors treat it fast. Studies show links but no firm proof that fever alone causes cerebral palsy. More research needs to sort out infection from fever effects.
Other pregnancy issues add risks too. Things like preterm birth or low birth weight from infections tie into cerebral palsy. Women with certain conditions face higher chances of these issues.[4]
Doctors watch for fever closely in pregnancy. They often check for infections and give antibiotics if needed. This helps lower risks to the baby.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12735826/
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://www.adhdevidence.org/blog-tags/pregnancy
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/597766/how-can-a-pregnant-individual-with-cerebral-palsy-cp
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
