Is There a Link Between Maternal Flu and Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a condition that affects a child’s muscle control and movement. It happens when the brain gets damaged before, during, or right after birth. Doctors and researchers have looked into many possible causes, including infections a mother might have while pregnant.
One question that comes up is whether the flu, caught by the mother during pregnancy, could play a role. The flu is a common virus that causes fever, cough, and body aches. When a pregnant woman gets it, the virus can sometimes pass to the baby in the womb. This might lead to swelling or less oxygen in the baby’s developing brain.
Research points to infections in general raising the risk of brain injuries that can cause cerebral palsy. For example, any maternal infection can spark inflammation in the baby’s brain. This inflammation might cut off oxygen or harm brain cells, leading to problems like movement disorders later on. Studies note that even everyday infections like influenza have been linked to cerebral palsy symptoms showing up in childhood.
Experts explain that flu can trigger issues such as neonatal sepsis, where infection spreads through the baby’s body. High fevers from these infections are especially risky because they can cause lasting brain damage. Premature babies face even higher chances, and infections make that worse.
While not every case of maternal flu leads to cerebral palsy, the connection shows why pregnant women should get flu shots and seek quick care if sick. Keeping infections under control helps protect the baby’s brain as it grows.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12739088/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/issue/7/7
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12683311/
https://www.seattlechildrens.org/directory/pooja-tandon/
https://www.news-medical.net/condition/Cerebral-Palsy
