While the causes of cerebral palsy are often unknown, medical professionals can take numerous cerebral palsy prevention measures. Medical professionals have a duty to address and mitigate the risks of cerebral palsy before, during, and immediately following childbirth. Failure to take necessary cerebral palsy prevention measures may constitute medical malpractice in the event that a child develops this chronic condition.

Cerebral Palsy prevention before birth

A number of factors, when present during a woman’s pregnancy, can increase the risk that her child will be born with cerebral palsy. A woman’s medical team can address many of these risk factors promptly in order to reduce the risk of cerebral palsy.

For example, pregnant women should be screened for Rh and A-B-O blood incompatibility early on in their pregnancy to identify or rule out any related complications. This can help to prevent cerebral palsy.

Viral and bacterial infections in the mother can also increase the risks that her child will be born with cerebral palsy. In terms of cerebral palsy prevention, doctors have a responsibility to inform their patients about this risk and promptly treat infections if they should arise. Maternal medical conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should also be carefully monitored, not only for the mother’s health but also for the health of the baby.

Premature delivery is one of the major risk factors for cerebral palsy. Medical professionals have the duty to prevent premature delivery when in the best interests of the mother and child. Doctors must also correctly date a woman’s pregnancy, as improper pregnancy dating can result in a baby being born prematurely or post maturely thus increasing the risk of cerebral palsy.

Cerebral Palsy prevention around the time of birth

In terms of cerebral palsy prevention, a medical professional’s adherence to high medical standards is paramount in the time around childbirth. Careful and appropriate management of delivery is one of the best means of cerebral palsy prevention (in cases where the condition is preventable). C-sections must be performed when medically necessary to reduce the risk of complications or injury to the baby or mother. Forceps and vacuum delivery methods must be executed with prudence, as improper technique can increase the risk of cerebral palsy in the newborn.

Mismanagement of delivery, failure to detect complications (such as oxygen blockage or fetal distress signals), and careless handling can all increase the risks of cerebral palsy and may constitute medical malpractice.

Immediately following birth, both the mother and child should be examined to ensure health and well-being. If a child is born with any complications such as jaundice, they must be addressed and treated immediately in order to prevent injury and serious conditions like cerebral palsy.

If you believe your child’s cerebral palsy might have been preventable, you may wish to confer with a qualified medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate your case and answer your legal questions. You may be eligible to seek compensation if your child’s condition was the result of medical negligence. Please contact us to learn more about cerebral palsy prevention and your legal rights.