Does premature labor result in cerebral palsy? Premature labor does not directly cause cerebral palsy, but babies born too early face a much higher risk of developing it due to related brain injuries or complications.
Premature labor means a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. These preterm babies often have underdeveloped organs, especially the brain. Studies show that over half of children with cerebral palsy were born prematurely. For example, a review of medical records from 206 children with cerebral palsy found that 54.4 percent were premature. Babies born before 28 weeks have the highest risk, and up to 15 percent of those born between 24 and 27 weeks may develop cerebral palsy.
Why does this happen? Premature babies are more likely to suffer oxygen shortages or infections that harm the brain. Placental problems, like insufficiency or abruption, can trigger premature labor by cutting off oxygen and nutrients to the baby. These issues raise the chance of brain damage, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, which leads to cerebral palsy symptoms like poor muscle control and developmental delays.
Umbilical cord problems during a rushed preterm birth can also deprive the baby of oxygen, worsening the risk. Low birth weight, common in premature babies, adds to this danger. Infections during pregnancy, birth, or right after can cross to the baby and cause brain inflammation or low oxygen levels, hitting preterm infants hardest because their immune systems are weak.
Not every premature baby gets cerebral palsy. Many factors play a role, including genetics and the quality of care after birth. Special neonatal care, like resuscitation or cooling the brain to reduce damage, helps lower the risk. Early monitoring is key for at-risk preterm babies.
Sources
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.cerebralpalsyguide.com/blog/new-swimming-cap-early-diagnosis-of-cerebral-palsy-in-infants/
https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/cerebral-palsy-symptoms
https://www.dignityhealth.org/north-state/services/womens-services/maternity-care/fetal-conditions/cerebral-palsy
