Patient's question:
My daughter has suffered from cerebral palsy since she was a child and has always developed poorly. Now that she is 5 years old, she can only call "Mom" and "Dad." She has seen many doctors, but nothing has been effective. What are the causes of fetal cerebral palsy?Doctor's answer:
Cerebral palsy is usually caused by damage to the fetal brain during prenatal and delivery periods. Some cases occur after birth. There are many factors that can lead to cerebral palsy. However, the cause of cerebral palsy in many children remains unclear. It is now known that premature delivery before 37 weeks is the greatest risk factor. Other risk factors include thyroid disease in pregnant women, placental abnormalities, preeclampsia with hypertension and proteinuria, as well as certain bacterial and viral infections. Fetal abnormalities include congenital and genetic defects, low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction, such as twin or multiple pregnancies, infections, and chronic hypoxia during delivery.