Is maternal bleeding tied to cerebral palsy?
Maternal bleeding during pregnancy can play a role in raising the risk of cerebral palsy in babies, but it is not a direct or only cause. It often acts as one factor among many that lead to brain injury in the developing child. Cerebral palsy happens when the brain gets damaged before, during, or right after birth, affecting movement and coordination.
Studies show that bleeding in the mother during pregnancy occurred in about 10 percent of cases linked to cerebral palsy. This type of bleeding can signal problems like placental abruption, where the placenta pulls away from the uterus too soon. When that happens, the baby may not get enough oxygen or nutrients, which can harm the brain and increase chances of cerebral palsy.
Placental issues from maternal bleeding can also lead to low oxygen levels, known as hypoxia. This lack of oxygen is a common trigger for brain damage that causes cerebral palsy. Other related risks include infections or high blood pressure in the mother, which might cause bleeding and add to the problem.
Bleeding in the baby’s brain itself, called intracranial hemorrhage, is another key link. This can stem from birth complications tied to maternal health issues, like sudden blood pressure changes. Such brain bleeds often result in cerebral palsy, especially in preterm babies.
Not every case of maternal bleeding leads to cerebral palsy. Many mothers who bleed during pregnancy have healthy babies, and doctors can often manage the issue with care. Factors like home births, no cry at birth, or infections make the risk higher in some areas.
Research points to preventable steps, such as good prenatal care, to lower these risks. Antenatal checkups help spot bleeding early, and hospital deliveries reduce complications from oxygen loss.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12748543/
https://www.bila.ca/does-aspirin-use-during-pregnancy-increase-the-risk-of-cerebral-palsy/
https://www.nationalbirthinjurylaw.com/what-causes-cerebral-palsy
https://powlesslaw.com/newborn-brain-bleeds-ich-causes-symptoms-and-malpractice/
https://www.sokolovelaw.com/birth-injuries/causes/
https://cerebralpalsyguidance.com/2025/12/12/researchers-use-mri-to-diagnose-find-causes-of-cerebral-palsy-in-children/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2842660
