Does obesity raise the risk of cerebral palsy at birth? Research shows no direct link between obesity and cerebral palsy at birth, but maternal obesity before pregnancy does increase chances of other neurodevelopmental issues in children.[1] Cerebral palsy happens when the brain gets damaged before, during, or right after birth, affecting movement and coordination.[5]
Cerebral palsy shows up in about 2 out of every 1,000 babies born alive.[3] It comes from many causes, like problems in pregnancy, birth complications, or early infancy issues.[3][5] Studies look at risks such as air pollution during pregnancy, but not obesity as a main cause.[4]
Mothers who are obese before getting pregnant have higher odds of kids with neurodevelopmental disabilities.[1] This includes conditions that affect brain growth and skills, though cerebral palsy is not named as one in these findings.[1] Groups like the NICHD study obesity in pregnancy and its effects on moms and kids, focusing on weight gain, fertility, and child health.[2] They check short-term and long-term impacts but do not tie it straight to cerebral palsy.[2]
Obesity in pregnancy brings other worries, like higher risks for epilepsy or disabilities in kids.[5] Experts push for healthy diet and exercise before and during pregnancy to help outcomes.[2] No proof says obesity directly causes cerebral palsy at birth, but staying at a healthy weight supports better brain health for babies.[1][2]
Sources:
https://www.endocrinologyadvisor.com/news/maternal-obesity-neurodevelopmental-disorders/
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/obesity/researchinfo
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2025.1694035/full
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/issue/7/7
https://www.news-medical.net/condition/Cerebral-Palsy
