Can birth complications result in cerebral palsy? Yes, certain problems during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or shortly after birth can damage a baby’s brain and lead to cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle control.[1][2][4][5]
Cerebral palsy happens when the brain does not develop normally or gets injured early in life. Birth complications are one key risk factor, though they do not cause all cases. For example, premature birth raises the chance because babies born too early often have underdeveloped brains and organs. Studies show premature babies make up 33 to 50 percent of cerebral palsy cases.[1][2][5]
During labor and delivery, a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain is a major issue. This can come from prolonged labor, where the baby stays in the birth canal too long, or from umbilical cord problems like compression or prolapse. These cut off oxygen and blood flow, leading to birth asphyxia or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, both linked to cerebral palsy.[2][4][9]
Placental issues also play a role. Placental abruption, where the placenta pulls away from the uterus too soon, stops the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Placental insufficiency in overdue pregnancies has the same effect, often causing low birth weight and preterm delivery.[2][4]
Infections add another layer of risk. Maternal infections like rubella, cytomegalovirus, or group B strep during pregnancy or birth can inflame the brain or reduce oxygen. After birth, meningitis, encephalitis, or severe jaundice known as kernicterus can harm brain cells.[1][3][7]
Other factors tied to birth include breech position, multiple babies, very low birth weight under 3.3 pounds, bleeding in the brain like intraventricular hemorrhage in preemies, and medical errors such as misuse of forceps or failure to do a timely C-section.[1][4][5][7]
Not every birth complication leads to cerebral palsy, and causes vary. Some cases stem from genetic issues or unknown reasons, but addressing risks like infections and oxygen shortages can help prevent many.[3][6][8]
Sources
https://cchp.ucsf.edu/resources/fact-sheets-families/cerebral-palsy
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/cerebral-palsy
https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/cerebral-palsy-information-folder-for-children-young-people-and-their-families/
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/blog/prolonged-labor-effects-on-baby-complications/
