Is gestational illness tied to cerebral palsy?
Gestational illness, like infections during pregnancy, can play a role in causing cerebral palsy in babies, but it is just one of several possible factors. Cerebral palsy happens when the brain does not develop right or gets injured before, during, or soon after birth, leading to problems with movement and posture.[1][2][6]
Certain infections in the mother can cross the placenta and harm the baby’s brain. These include rubella, cytomegalovirus, toxoplasmosis, Zika virus, herpes simplex, syphilis, and chorioamnionitis, which is an infection in the placental tissues. Such infections cause swelling, cut off oxygen, or stop brain cells from forming properly.[2]
Problems around birth add to the risk too. Infections like group B Streptococcus, E. coli, or those causing meningitis can strike during labor, especially if membranes rupture early and stay that way too long.[2] After birth, severe issues in newborns such as meningitis, encephalitis, sepsis, or bad jaundice can directly damage the brain and lead to cerebral palsy.[2][5]
Other pregnancy issues link to cerebral palsy without being full infections. Lack of oxygen to the brain, bleeding in the brain, or preterm birth before 27 weeks raise the chances, often tied to complications like low birth weight or sepsis.[1][3][5] For example, studies show extremely preterm babies now survive more thanks to better care, but many still develop cerebral palsy due to brain bleeds or infections.[5]
Not every case ties back to illness, though. Some research points to brain injuries from tough deliveries or even genetic causes when no clear damage shows up on scans.[3][6] One study even looked at medicines like aspirin during pregnancy and found a possible higher risk for a type called bilateral spastic cerebral palsy, but results conflict with others that see no strong link.[1]
Preventing gestational illness helps lower risks. Good prenatal care, treating infections early, avoiding smoking or toxins, and managing fevers matter a lot.[2]
Sources
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://www.pediatricorthopedicdoctor.in/2025/12/25/severe-infections-in-infants-leading-to-cerebral-palsy-causes-early-signs-and-prevention/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.droracle.ai/articles/597766/how-can-a-pregnant-individual-with-cerebral-palsy-cp
https://childrenscerebralpalsy.com/research-update-increased-prevalence-of-cerebral-palsy-in-extremely-preterm-infants/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://www.dignityhealth.org/north-state/services/womens-services/maternity-care/fetal-conditions/cerebral-palsy
