Cord compression at birth can contribute to cerebral palsy, but it does not always cause it directly. It mainly raises the risk by cutting off the baby’s oxygen supply, which may lead to brain damage.
The umbilical cord carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby before and during birth. When the cord gets compressed, such as from the baby’s weight pressing on it or the cord slipping ahead of the baby in a prolapse, blood flow slows or stops. This lack of oxygen, called hypoxia or asphyxia, stresses the baby’s brain. If it lasts long enough, it can cause hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE, a type of brain injury that often shows up as cerebral palsy later in life.
Doctors watch for these issues using fetal heart monitors during labor. Signs like abnormal heart rates mean the cord might be compressed, and quick action like a C-section can help. Other problems, such as a placenta pulling away from the uterus or the cord being too long or short, can also lead to the same oxygen shortage.
Not every case of cord compression results in cerebral palsy. Many babies recover fully if the issue is caught early. Cerebral palsy comes from various brain damages around birth, including infections, bleeding, or prolonged labor. In some cases, medical teams miss warning signs, which makes the risk higher.
Parents of children with cerebral palsy from birth issues often look into what happened during delivery. Understanding these links helps families get the right care and support.
Sources
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://www.rwkgoodman.com/injury/birth-injury-claims/cerebral-palsy-claims/cerebral-palsy-guide-causes-symptoms-legal/
https://www.cerebralpalsyhub.com/birth-injury/erbs-palsy/
https://www.mannarinoandbrasfield.com/blog/what-is-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy
https://www.wagnerreese.com/blog/umbilical-cord-breaking-during-delivery/
https://www.cuminggillespie.com/blog/medical-malpractice/faqs-about-hypoxic-ischemic-encephalopathy-hie/
https://www.beamlegalteam.com/blog/birth-injuries-in-multiples-why-twins-and-triplets-face-higher-risks/
https://www.pbglaw.com/blog/legal-implications-of-inadequate-fetal-monitoring-during-delivery/
