Can maternal malnutrition result in cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s movement, balance, and posture due to brain damage early in life. It often starts before birth, during delivery, or shortly after. While many causes are known, like infections or lack of oxygen, the role of maternal malnutrition is less clear and not a direct proven cause.
Doctors know that cerebral palsy comes from non-progressive brain injuries or issues with brain development. Common risks include preterm birth, where babies are born before 37 weeks and their brains are extra sensitive.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12767667/https://www.news-medical.net/condition/Cerebral-Palsy Problems during labor, such as low oxygen or complications like placental issues, also play a big part.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/https://www.triumphtherapeutics.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy-understanding-risk-factors-and-early-support/
Maternal malnutrition means a mother does not get enough nutrients during pregnancy. This can lead to issues like intrauterine growth restriction, where the baby does not grow properly inside the womb.https://www.triumphtherapeutics.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy-understanding-risk-factors-and-early-support/ Poor growth raises the chance of low birth weight or preterm delivery, both linked to higher cerebral palsy risk. For example, low birth weight babies face more brain vulnerabilities.
However, no strong studies directly connect maternal malnutrition alone to cerebral palsy. One source lists inadequate nutrition under factors that might contribute indirectly, alongside things like gestational diabetes or smoking.https://www.triumphtherapeutics.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy-understanding-risk-factors-and-early-support/ In low-resource areas, malnutrition often pairs with infections or poor prenatal care, which are clearer risks for brain damage.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
Infections during pregnancy, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, can cross the placenta and harm the fetal brain, sometimes worsened by poor maternal health.https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/https://www.triumphtherapeutics.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy-understanding-risk-factors-and-early-support/ After birth, issues like neonatal infections or jaundice add to the risks.https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/cerebral-palsy
Malnutrition might weaken a mother’s body, making these other problems more likely. For instance, it can contribute to preeclampsia or low oxygen to the baby. But experts focus more on direct brain insults like hypoxia or infections as the main triggers.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
Good prenatal care helps lower risks overall. Eating a balanced diet supports baby growth and reduces chances of related issues like preterm birth.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.triumphtherapeutics.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy-understanding-risk-factors-and-early-support/
https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/cerebral-palsy
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