Can Induced Labor Raise Cerebral Palsy Risk?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a person’s ability to move and keep their balance. It happens when the brain does not develop normally or gets damaged early in life. Most cases link to issues before birth, like infections or lack of oxygen to the brain. But some people wonder if inducing labor, which means using medicine to start contractions, plays a role.
Doctors induce labor for reasons like going past the due date or health problems for mom or baby. Common drugs include Pitocin and Cytotec. These help when contractions are weak or labor stops. In most cases, they work safely. But if the dose is too high, it can cause strong, fast contractions called uterine hyperstimulation.[2] This squeezes the uterus too hard and cuts off oxygen to the baby. Lack of oxygen, known as hypoxia, can harm the brain and lead to cerebral palsy.[1][2]
One review of medical records from 206 kids with cerebral palsy found over half were born premature. Babies born before 28 weeks face the highest risk, with up to 15 percent developing the condition.[2] Induced labor sometimes happens early to avoid other dangers, like placental abruption. This is when the placenta pulls away from the uterus wall, starving the baby of oxygen and nutrients.[2] Post-term pregnancies can also weaken the placenta, raising risks if labor does not start naturally.[2]
Labor complications overall cause only 5 to 10 percent of cerebral palsy cases. Most come from prenatal factors, like bleeding in the brain, infections, or very low birth weight.[1][4] Premature babies have softer skulls that can get hurt during delivery, even without induction.[3] Things like shoulder dystocia, where the baby’s shoulders get stuck, add stress but are not directly tied to induction drugs.[3]
Studies do not show induced labor always raises the risk. Problems happen mainly from mistakes, like giving too much medicine. Proper monitoring during induction helps prevent hyperstimulation and hypoxia.[2] Doctors watch contractions, the baby’s heart rate, and oxygen levels closely. If issues arise, they can adjust or do a C-section.
Other birth injuries from forceps or vacuum happen more often than natural delivery, but induction itself is not the main culprit.[3] About 4 in 1,000 babies are born with cerebral palsy each year.[5] Prevention focuses on good prenatal care, managing preterm labor, and quick response to oxygen shortages at birth.[2][4]
Sources
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://prosperlaw.com/medical-malpractice-childbirth/
https://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/cerebral-palsy
https://www.grossmanjustice.com/new-jersey-cerebral-palsy-lawyer/
