Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
Cerebral palsy risk factors include premature birth, low birthweight, maternal infections, and even multiple births (twins or triplets). Risk factors do not directly guarantee cerebral palsy but can increase the chances. Mothers and physicians can mitigate early risks by better understanding risk factors.
Understanding the Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or abnormal development of the brain. While there are many causes of CP, there is no single risk factor that is directly responsible.
It is often difficult to determine what exactly caused the brain damage, but there are many risk factors that can influence whether or not a child is more likely to develop cerebral palsy.
What Are the Risks of Cerebral Palsy Before Birth?
85-90% of cerebral palsy cases are congenital, meaning they're caused either before or during pregnancy. There are many risk factors that can potentially lead to CP during these stages.
Prematurity and Low Birthweight
Babies born before 37 weeks, especially <32 weeks and/or <2,500 g or 5.5 lbs, have higher rates of CP due to vulnerability during brain development and medical complications of prematurity.
Multiple Gestation (Births) and ART Conception
Twins and triplets have a much higher risk, partially because they are more often likely to be premature or low birthweight. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) births also have similar risks due to the increased likelihood of having multiple births.
Maternal Infections and Placental Conditions
Maternal infections can increase risks of cerebral palsy. Some risks include:
- Rubella
- Varicella
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Chorioamnionitis
- Thyroid disease
- Seizures
- Chickenpox
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as herpes or syphilis
- High fever
- Other bacterial infections
Placental cord complications such as early detachment can also put babies at higher risk of developing CP.
What Are the Risks of Cerebral Palsy During Birth?
While most cases of cerebral palsy result from complications before birth, there are some factors that can increase the risks during birth or even delivery.
- Strokes can occur before or around birth and lead to CP. Preterm infants are also prone to periventricular leukomalacia from impaired blood/oxygen flow.
- Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) caused by lack of oxygen/blood flow.
- Low Apgar scores (<5) have a correlation with higher relative CP risk (about 20-100x). Low Apgar scores do not predict an individual child's outcome for cerebral palsy by itself.
- Infertility treatments.
- Medical negligence, such as improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery.
- Abnormal delivery positions like front-facing, breech, or shoulders that can lead to brachial plexus injury.
- Loss of oxygen to infant's brain (birth asphyxia).
- Lack of nutrients and oxygen from the placenta.
What Are the Risks of Cerebral Palsy After Birth?
Cerebral palsy that is caused 28 days or more after birth, known as acquired CP, is much rarer. However, 10-15% of cases are caused during this stage, and there are still some risk factors that can lead to CP.
- Severe neonatal jaundice. If left untreated, severe hyperbilirubinemia (high levels of bilirubin in the blood) can cause kernicterus and dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Head injuries or falls that cause trauma to the brain
- Other serious illnesses during infancy and early childhood
The majority of cerebral palsy cases are not due to any of the above risk factors. Most cases occur either before or during birth.
Other Risk Factors of Cerebral Palsy
There are other lesser-known risk factors that can contribute to cerebral palsy, such as:
- Rh and blood type incompatibility
- Fetal growth restriction
- Maternal alcohol and drug abuse
- Gestational diabetes
- Maternal heart disease
- Umbilical cord issues
- Maternal malnutrition
- Smoking and tobacco use during pregnancy
How to Lower Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors
While not all risks of cerebral palsy can be avoided, there are some steps expecting mothers and doctors can take to reduce the likelihood of a child developing CP.
- Avoid alcohol, illicit drugs, tobacco, and smoking while pregnant.
- Keep all prenatal appointments and screen for potential risk factors during visits
- Test for Rh and blood incompatibilities
- Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals that could affect fetal development.
- Exercise, a healthy diet, and good cardiovascular health all promote healthier pregnancies, which reduce the risks of cerebral palsy.
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors FAQs
Written and Medically Reviewed by:
Cerebral Palsy Hub Team
Cerebral Palsy Hub was founded to help support children and their families with cerebral palsy and to create a safe space for those affected. We strive to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information, and tools to help give your child the life they deserve.
Last Updated: September 26, 2025
