Can Gestational Illness Result in Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy happens when a baby’s brain gets damaged or does not develop right. This damage often occurs before birth, during delivery, or soon after. Gestational illness means health problems a mother has while pregnant. Yes, some of these illnesses can lead to cerebral palsy by harming the baby’s brain.
Mothers can get infections during pregnancy that raise the risk. For example, German measles, also called rubella, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, and syphilis link to cerebral palsy. These infections cause swelling or other damage in the baby’s brain. Chorioamnionitis, meningitis, encephalitis, herpes simplex virus, and HIV also carry risks. They can pass to the baby, cut off oxygen, or cause inflammation that leads to brain injury.
If doctors do not treat these infections properly, the baby might suffer permanent harm. Group B streptococcus is one common example. It can cause meningitis and brain damage if missed during pregnancy or birth.
Other pregnancy issues tied to illness include problems with the placenta or umbilical cord. Placental abruption pulls the placenta away from the uterus too soon. This cuts off oxygen and nutrients, leading to brain damage like hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, which causes cerebral palsy. Placental insufficiency from being overdue can do the same by starving the baby of oxygen.
Babies born too early or with low birth weight face higher chances too. Poor maternal health during pregnancy adds to this risk. Things like intrauterine growth restriction slow baby growth due to placenta issues. Without good care, it brings oxygen loss, low blood sugar, or jaundice that hurts the brain.
Not every gestational illness causes cerebral palsy. Studies show mixed results on some medicines like aspirin taken for illness. One found higher risk of spastic cerebral palsy with aspirin use. But results vary, and genetics or other factors play roles too.
Doctors watch for these risks with checkups and tests. Early treatment helps lower chances of brain damage.
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
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.dignityhealth.org/north-state/services/womens-services/maternity-care/fetal-conditions/cerebral-palsy
