Can Cerebral Palsy Be Detected Before Birth?
Can Cerebral Palsy Be Detected Before Birth?
Cerebral palsy (CP) cannot be diagnosed before birth, but certain risk factors may be spotted during pregnancy or delivery. Brain injuries, poor oxygen flow, or fetal distress can show up on prenatal tests and may increase the risk of CP.
However, symptoms of cerebral palsy often do not appear until months or years later when babies miss milestones or struggle with movement.
Recognizing cerebral palsy risk factors and early signs of CP can help parents seek answers and get support sooner.
Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors That May Appear Before Birth
Doctors cannot diagnose CP in the womb, but they may be able to identify risk factors that increase the chances of a baby developing the condition.
Risk factors of cerebral palsy include:
- Brain injuries: Conditions like periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) or brain bleeds can sometimes be seen on a prenatal ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
- Fetal growth restrictions: If a baby is not growing as expected, it could signal an increased risk of complications.
- Infections during pregnancy: Infections like rubella, cytomegalovirus, or chorioamnionitis can harm brain development.
- Oxygen deprivation: Issues like placental insufficiency, umbilical cord compression, or fetal distress may suggest a baby is at risk for low oxygen levels.
While these factors do not guarantee a CP diagnosis, they can indicate potential problems that may require closer monitoring before and after birth.
If doctors fail to detect these risk factors or do not take appropriate action, and a baby is harmed as a result, it could be considered medical negligence.
Birth Complications Linked to Cerebral Palsy
Even if a pregnancy seems normal, complications during labor and delivery can increase the risk of CP. Some babies may also require special care after birth, which can be a sign of underlying issues.
Signs that may indicate birth complications include:
- Assisted delivery: The use of tools like forceps or vacuum extractors can signal a difficult delivery that may have put stress on the baby’s head or neck.
- Cooling therapy: Some newborns receive therapeutic hypothermia (cooling blankets) to treat hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) caused by low oxygen.
- Emergency C-section: A cesarean section performed urgently may be a sign of complications like fetal distress or problems with the baby's oxygen supply.
- Low oxygen at birth: If a baby needed resuscitation, had a low Apgar score, or was placed on a ventilator, it could mean distress during delivery.
- NICU stays: Babies who need specialized care may have experienced oxygen deprivation or other complications that increase the risk of brain damage.
Parents may not always realize these complications could be linked to CP, especially if their newborn seemed fine after birth.
However, if a child later struggles to meet developmental milestones, these early warning signs may become more significant.
Early Signs of Cerebral Palsy in Infants
Cerebral palsy symptoms do not always appear right away. Many parents first notice something is wrong when their baby struggles with movement or muscle control.
Some early cerebral palsy symptoms include:
- Delays in rolling over, sitting, or crawling
- Difficulty swallowing or feeding
- Favoring one side of the body, like only reaching with one hand
- Stiff (hypertonia) or floppy (hypotonia) muscles
- Trouble holding up the head
If you’re noticing any of these signs in your child, you don’t have to wait for a formal diagnosis to get help.
Our team of registered nurses is here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you if you’re worried about your baby’s development.
They can help you understand what to look for, what questions to ask your doctor, and what steps to take next.
Connect with one of our nurses now — there’s no cost or obligation.
Detecting Cerebral Palsy Through Developmental Delays
Many children with cerebral palsy are not diagnosed until they show signs of developmental delays. Parents may not realize these delays could be signs of a birth injury.
Typical developmental milestones for babies include:
- Rolling over: 4 to 6 months
- Sitting up: 6 to 8 months
- Crawling: 7 to 10 months
- Walking: 12 to 18 months
If a baby struggles to meet these milestones, shows unusual muscle tone, or has trouble with coordination, it could be a sign of cerebral palsy.
These delays may not be immediately obvious, which is why CP is often not recognized until a child is 1 or 2 years old.
Get Help for Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral palsy can place a heavy emotional and financial burden on families. If medical mistakes caused your child’s condition, financial support may be available through a cerebral palsy lawsuit settlement.
Compensation can help cover medical care, therapy, and other long-term expenses and give your child the best chance possible for a healthy and fulfilling life.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with experienced CP attorneys who can help families in all 50 states.
If you’re concerned about your child’s health, even without a diagnosis, our nurses can answer your questions and connect you with the right resources.
Call us at (855) 220-1101 right now to speak with one of our trained patient advocates or get a free case review to find out if we may be able to help your family.
Written by:Cerebral Palsy GuideCerebral Palsy Guide was founded upon the goal of educating families about cerebral palsy, raising awareness, and providing support for children, parents, and caregivers affected by the condition. Our easy-to-use website offers simple, straightforward information that provides families with medical and legal solutions. We are devoted to helping parents and children access the tools they need to live a life full of happiness
