Exposure to pre-eclampsia, a life-threatening disorder caused by a rapid rise in blood pressure in 3-5% of pregnant women, could increase the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm or small birth weight newborns, according to a study published in BMJ.
Researchers from Norway monitored 849 children with cerebral palsy and 616,658 without to conduct the first study to report that the association between pre-eclampsia exposure and cerebral palsy may be mediated by being small at birth.
The study found that children who were both born moderately preterm (between 32 and 36 weeks) and very preterm (less than 31 weeks) and exposed to pre-eclampsia had a significantly increased risk of cerebral palsy, if they were also smaller than usual at birth. Among children born at term, exposed children born at normal weight did not have excess risk of cerebral palsy. Read the full details here:
Pre-eclampsia poses cerebral palsy risk for premature and small babies
Cerebral palsy can be caused by many factors such as fetal distress during labor, birth trauma and even shoulder dystocia. This article explores the association between pre-eclampsia, low birth weight and the increase risk it may cause for the development of cerebral palsy.
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury, including cerebral palsy, due to medical negligence, please call to investigate your matter fully. Crandall & Pera Law is available to help answer your questions and guide you in determining your next steps.