# Maternal Infection During Pregnancy and Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting infants and young children. It occurs when there is abnormal brain development or injury to the developing brain, often before, during, or shortly after birth. Among the many causes of cerebral palsy, severe infections during pregnancy stand out as significant contributors to this condition.
When a mother develops an infection during pregnancy, there is a real risk that the infection can cross the placenta and reach the developing fetus. Once this happens, the infection can damage brain tissue or interfere with normal neurological development. The infections increase inflammation in the fetus, reduce oxygen supply to the brain, and disrupt the formation of brain cells – all of which can lead to cerebral palsy.
Several specific maternal infections have been linked to cerebral palsy. These include rubella, also known as German measles, and cytomegalovirus, commonly called CMV. Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection, is another concern. The Zika virus, herpes simplex, and syphilis are also maternal infections that can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the developing child. Additionally, chorioamnionitis, which is an infection of the placental tissues and membranes surrounding the fetus, poses a significant risk.
Chorioamnionitis occurs when bacteria or other infectious organisms travel from the vagina up into the uterus, causing infection within the uterus and subsequent infection of the fetus. Normally, the fetus is protected from infection by a plug of mucus in the cervix and by the membranes surrounding it. However, once the membranes rupture, the fetus becomes much more vulnerable to infection. The bacteria can then travel to the brain where it can cause meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, is a type of bacteria that can cause chorioamnionitis. GBS is part of the normal bacteria found in the vagina, so most mothers who carry it are not aware of it. Like other bacteria, GBS can travel into the uterus from the vagina to cause chorioamnionitis and subsequent infection of the fetus. Babies can also become infected with GBS during delivery itself.
Other birth-related infections that can lead to brain injury include E. coli infections and bacteria that cause meningitis. These infections are particularly concerning when they occur after prolonged rupture of membranes.
Several factors during pregnancy increase the likelihood of infection-related cerebral palsy. These include maternal fever, untreated urinary or vaginal infections, placental infections, and poor prenatal care. Maternal smoking, alcohol use, and exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy are also risk factors. Additionally, premature babies are highly vulnerable to both infections and brain injury, making them at greater risk for developing cerebral palsy.
After birth, certain conditions also increase the risk of infection-related cerebral palsy. These include a prolonged stay in the neonatal intensive care unit due to severe infection, untreated jaundice, weak immunity, and low oxygen levels from respiratory infections.
The good news is that not all cases of infection-related cerebral palsy can be prevented, but many can be avoided with timely medical intervention. Proper prenatal care, treatment of maternal infections, and appropriate management during labor and delivery are important steps in reducing the risk.
Recent research has shown that cerebral palsy is rarely caused by a single, simple factor. Genetics, environmental factors, and combinations of the two can all contribute to cerebral palsy. About one quarter of all children with cerebral palsy have genetic factors involved. This means that understanding the causes of cerebral palsy is complex, and treatment plans should be tailored to individual circumstances.
Sources
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://cchp.ucsf.edu/resources/fact-sheets-families/cerebral-palsy
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
