Does umbilical cord entanglement cause cerebral palsy?
Umbilical cord entanglement happens when the baby’s cord gets twisted or wrapped around the body during pregnancy or birth. This can cut off blood flow and oxygen to the baby. When the brain lacks oxygen, it faces a risk called hypoxia. Hypoxia during birth ranks as a top trigger for cerebral palsy, a condition that harms movement and coordination due to brain damage.[1]
Doctors watch for this issue with tools like fetal monitors. If the cord wraps tightly, it squeezes blood vessels. This leads to less oxygen reaching the brain. In bad cases, it causes hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or HIE. HIE often results in cerebral palsy along with other issues like learning delays.[1]
The problem shows up more in twins or multiples. Identical twins sharing a placenta face higher odds of cord entanglement. Their cords can tangle easily in the tight space. This boosts chances of oxygen loss and brain harm that sparks cerebral palsy.[2][3]
Not every tangled cord leads to cerebral palsy. Quick action by medical teams, like a C-section, can prevent lasting damage. But if doctors miss warning signs on monitors, the risk climbs. Oxygen cuts off for even a short time can scar the brain forever.[1]
Premature babies face extra threats. A brain injury called periventricular leukomalacia, or PVL, hits them hard. PVL comes from poor blood flow or oxygen dips, often tied to cord issues. It creates holes in brain tissue and raises cerebral palsy odds.[1][2]
Birth injuries from cord problems stand out as key cerebral palsy causes. Spotting and fixing them early saves brains from harm.[1][3]
Sources
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://www.fletcherssolicitors.co.uk/birth-injury-claims/guides/a-guide-to-multiple-births-and-twin-pregnancies/
https://www.beamlegalteam.com/blog/birth-injuries-in-multiples-why-twins-and-triplets-face-higher-risks/
