Does prolonged labor cause cerebral palsy?
Prolonged labor means the birthing process lasts much longer than usual, often more than 18 to 24 hours for a first-time mother. This can stress the baby by limiting oxygen flow through the umbilical cord or placenta. When oxygen deprivation happens, it may lead to a brain injury called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. HIE damages brain cells and raises the risk for cerebral palsy, a condition that affects muscle control and movement.[1][2][3][7]
During long labors, strong or frequent contractions from medications like Pitocin can squeeze the umbilical cord too hard. This cuts off the baby’s oxygen supply, sometimes causing birth asphyxia. Doctors watch for signs like a slowing fetal heart rate, but if they miss them or delay a cesarean section, the risk grows. For example, placental problems such as abruption, where the placenta pulls away from the uterus, worsen during extended labor and deprive the baby of blood and oxygen.[2][3][5][7]
Not every case of prolonged labor ends in cerebral palsy. Many babies recover fully if doctors act quickly. Studies show that home births or lack of crying at birth in low-resource areas link to worse outcomes, including HIE and severe motor issues in cerebral palsy.[1] Using tools like forceps or vacuums in tough deliveries can also cause head injuries that contribute, but oxygen loss remains a key factor.[3]
Most cerebral palsy cases do not come from labor alone. Research points out that 85 to 90 percent are congenital, meaning they start before birth due to genetics, infections, or early brain development issues. Only about 14.5 percent tie directly to oxygen loss during delivery. MRI scans of children with cerebral palsy often reveal patterns from pregnancy problems, prematurity, or even genetic causes without clear birth trauma.[4][6]
In high-income countries, factors like preterm birth and unknown processes play bigger roles, while low-income areas see more links to birth complications. Early diagnosis with MRI and genetic tests helps pinpoint true causes and guide treatment.[1][4]
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/ataxic-cerebral-palsy
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-cerebral-palsy-lawyer/
https://prosperlaw.com/medical-malpractice-childbirth/
https://www.mannarinoandbrasfield.com/blog/what-is-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
