Can prolonged labor lead to cerebral palsy? Yes, prolonged labor can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in babies, mainly because it may cause a lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain during birth. Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect a child’s muscle control and movement. Kids with it often face challenges like seizures, learning issues, speech problems, and trouble swallowing.
Labor is prolonged when it lasts too long without progress. For example, once the cervix is over 6 centimeters dilated, the water has broken, and there are at least 4 hours of real contractions or 6 hours with medications to strengthen them, doctors get concerned. This is called arrest of active labor by groups like the American College of Gynecology.
The main danger in long labor is hypoxia, or lack of oxygen to the baby. This can happen from a drop in the baby’s heart rate or distress during birth. Without enough oxygen, the brain can suffer damage known as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. HIE often leads to cerebral palsy later on, with symptoms like poor motor skills, seizures, and developmental delays.
Other risks from prolonged labor include infections like maternal chorioamnionitis, which can spread to the baby. Doctors might use tools like forceps or vacuum extractors after long pushing, which can cause injuries. Shoulder dystocia is another issue, where the baby’s shoulders get stuck after the head comes out, cutting off oxygen.
Sometimes, medications like Pitocin are used to speed up labor. If given in too high a dose, they can make contractions too strong and frequent, leading to uterine hyperstimulation. This squeezes the umbilical cord and reduces oxygen to the baby, raising the chance of brain damage and cerebral palsy.
Delayed decisions, like not doing a C-section soon enough, can make things worse. In some cases, this counts as medical negligence if it causes preventable harm. Studies show links between birth complications like home delivery, no crying at birth, and HIE with more severe cerebral palsy.
Not every long labor causes cerebral palsy. Other factors play a role, such as infections during pregnancy or birth, like Group B Streptococcus or chorioamnionitis. Genetics and issues like placental abruption can also contribute. Still, steps like monitoring the baby’s heart rate closely and acting fast can help lower risks.
Sources
https://www.childbirthinjuries.com/blog/prolonged-labor-effects-on-baby-complications/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://fosters-solicitors.co.uk/insight/cerebral-palsy-medical-negligence
https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.morrisjames.com/p/102ly4b/birth-injuries-linked-to-excessive-or-improper-pitocin-use/
https://www.dignityhealth.org/north-state/services/womens-services/maternity-care/fetal-conditions/cerebral-palsy
