The causes of cerebral palsy (CP) are not fully understood however medical science does know that when damage is done to a developing fetus or newborns brain can result in CP. It is important to be aware of some risk factors regarding cerebral palsy such as:

Maternal Infections

One cause of cerebral palsy is maternal infections. Some of these risks factors are:

*Urinary tract infections

*Kidney or bladder infection

*Rubella

*Inflammation of the fetal membranes (amnion and chorion) due to a bacterial infection

*Toxoplasmosis: an infection caused by a single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.

If these infections are not treated right away the results can be devastating for your child. Seek medical attention the minute you think you have an infection.

Pre and Neonatal Complications

The risk of cerebral palsy increases when you have an infection during prenatal/neonatal care:

*Severe meningitis - usually bacterial

*Viral encephalitis

*Group B streptococcal infection

*Herpes group B

*A whole-body inflammatory state due to infection

*Rh-induced hemolytic disease of the newborn

*Infant jaundice that is severe

It is difficult to know precisely how these complications result in cerebral palsy. There are facts that prove that prenatal infections can lead to early labor and delivery. More evidence show that infections prompt brain damage which essentially may result in cerebral palsy.

Premature Birth/Low Birth Weight

Having a baby before 37 weeks of development increases the chance of cerebral palsy. A low birth weight can contribute to cerebral palsy also.

The risk is higher too if the baby was born at a low birth weight. In these cases the baby does not have a strong enough defense system. When they get sick they usually end up in the hospital for care.

Some factors that will put your baby at risk to premature birth/low birth weight are: smoking; drug/alcohol use; stress; abnormal cervix; having twins or triplets prior to current pregnancy.

Birth Injuries & Medical Malpractice

Cerebral palsy is not always inherited. In fact many cases of children with cerebral palsy could have been prevented. There are rules and guidelines for medical professionals to follow.

The doctors and medical staff must act in a timely manner when preparing for a birth of a baby. Acting immediately when there are signs of fetal distress, any maternal infections or jaundice in the baby are important. Making sure there is enough oxygen supply, instruments such as forceps are used correctly or C-sections performed promptly is also a part of the medical staffs responsibility.

If there is an error due to neglect then families should seek the help from a medical malpractice attorney. Families have legal rights and your attorney will help you recover losses suffered such as treatments and medications.

Contacting a Cerebral Palsy Lawyer

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is costly. The cost of treatments, therapies, medications, surgeries and other related expenses are overwhelming. It can cost a family over $500,000 to treat your child over a lifetime. A cerebral palsy attorney can help you recover losses you have suffered such as lost wages, treatments for your child and even pain and suffering. If you think your child suffered damage to the brain resulting in cerebral palsy then get in touch with a cerebral palsy attorney. They are experienced in these kinds of cases and they have resources to help you get the compensation you deserve.