Can maternal infections trigger cerebral palsy? Yes, certain infections in a mother during pregnancy can pass to the baby and harm the developing brain, raising the risk of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, often due to brain damage early in life.
Infections like rubella, also called German measles, cytomegalovirus or CMV, toxoplasmosis, Zika virus, herpes simplex, and syphilis can cross the placenta. These germs cause swelling, cut off oxygen, or stop brain cells from forming right. Chorioamnionitis, an infection in the placenta and amniotic fluid, is another key one. It leads to inflammation that hurts the baby’s brain.
Group B Streptococcus, or GBS, is common in the vagina and can infect the baby during birth. It may cause meningitis, an infection around the brain and spinal cord. E. coli and other bacteria from prolonged membrane rupture also pose risks at delivery.
Even after birth, infections such as bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, sepsis, or severe jaundice can damage the brain in newborns. Premature babies face higher chances because their immune systems are weak.
Doctors can spot risks through maternal fever, untreated urinary or vaginal infections, or poor prenatal care. Quick treatment with antibiotics during labor or right after birth helps prevent spread. Vaccines for rubella and screening for GBS lower these dangers.
Not every infection leads to cerebral palsy, and other factors like low oxygen at birth play roles too. But managing infections early protects the baby’s brain.
Sources
https://www.orangehealthcare.in/uncategorized/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
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://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12731818/
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://childrensdayton.org/kidshealth/az-cp-infantile/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
