Can Cord Prolapse Cause Cerebral Palsy?
Umbilical cord prolapse is a serious birth complication that can lead to cerebral palsy in newborns. This condition occurs when the umbilical cord descends through the opening of the womb before the baby does, becoming trapped during delivery. When this happens, the cord becomes compressed, which cuts off the oxygen-rich blood flowing to the baby and prevents waste products like carbon dioxide from leaving the baby’s body.
The connection between cord prolapse and cerebral palsy happens through oxygen deprivation. When the cord is compressed, the baby cannot receive adequate oxygen. In response, the baby’s body switches to anaerobic respiration, which is an emergency energy-making process that produces lactic acid as a byproduct. As carbon dioxide and lactic acid build up in the baby’s system, the pH level drops, creating a dangerous chemical imbalance in the body. This oxygen deprivation can cause permanent brain damage, which is a leading cause of cerebral palsy.
The severity of brain damage from cord prolapse depends on how long the compression lasts and how quickly medical professionals respond. In the worst cases, the lack of oxygen can cause a condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. This is a type of birth injury caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow to an infant’s brain during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Cerebral palsy is one of the most common outcomes of severe HIE.
When cord prolapse causes brain damage, it can result in different types of cerebral palsy depending on which parts of the brain are affected. Spastic cerebral palsy, the most common type, causes painful muscle spasms, muscle pain, muscle deterioration, joint contractures, and bone deformities. Ataxic cerebral palsy affects balance and coordination, leading to uncoordinated movements, tremors, difficulty walking, and speech problems.
Beyond cerebral palsy, cord prolapse can cause other serious complications. In severe cases, the oxygen deprivation can lead to cognitive impairment, affecting a child’s ability to learn and reason. Children may also develop epilepsy, vision or hearing problems, and developmental delays. Some infants require immediate resuscitation or specialized treatment such as therapeutic hypothermia to reduce brain damage.
The key to preventing permanent disability from cord prolapse is quick medical intervention. Medical professionals must recognize the signs of cord prolapse and act immediately to deliver the baby safely. When medical negligence causes delays in treatment or failure to recognize the problem, families may pursue legal claims for compensation to cover the lifetime costs of caring for an injured child.
Sources
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.myschoolexams.com.ng/2025/12/11/__trashed-5/
https://www.mannarinoandbrasfield.com/blog/what-is-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://nybirthinjury.com/birth-injuries/brain-injuries/
https://www.infantcentre.ie/research/elevate/
https://www.standsureonline.co.uk/hie-hypoxic-ischaemic-encephalopathy-causes-treatment-support/
