Care Beyond the Cradle

Care Beyond the Cradle Paediatrics | Child health educator | Practical child-health guidance | Illnesses and prevention

Many people wonder why their children are malformed..Let's take a look at a very common abnormalty;Cerebral palsy (CP) i...
06/02/2026

Many people wonder why their children are malformed..

Let's take a look at a very common abnormalty;

Cerebral palsy (CP) is caused by damage to or abnormal development of the brain, particularly the parts that control movement, posture, and coordination. This damage usually occurs before birth, during birth, or shortly after birth, while the brain is still developing.

Major causes and risk factors

🛑 Before Birth (Prenatal Causes)

These account for the majority of cases:
😵Brain malformations during fetal development
😵‍💫Maternal infections like rubella, toxoplasmosis,
🫩Poor oxygen or blood supply to the fetus
😳Severe maternal illnesses like uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disease
😷Exposure to toxins, alcohol, or drugs
😵‍💫Genetic abnormalities affecting brain development

🛑During Birth (Perinatal Causes)

😵Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during labor or delivery)
🤧Premature birth (especially before 32 weeks)
😣Low birth weight
😵‍💫Traumatic or difficult delivery
🫨Placental problems or umbilical cord accidents

🛑 After Birth (Postnatal Causes)

🫨Severe neonatal jaundice (kernicterus)
😵‍💫Brain infections (meningitis, encephalitis)
😵Head injury or shaken baby syndrome
🫩Stroke in infancy
😵‍💫Near-drowning or severe hypoxia

Cerebral palsy is not contagious.
It is not progressive (the brain injury does not worsen over time).
It is also safe to note that early diagnosis and intervention can greatly improve function and quality of life.

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