Is My Unborn Child at Risk for Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy is a congenital disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, muscle coordination, and posture. It is a common disorder that produces more than 200,000 new cases in the United States every year. It is typically caused by damage to the brain before or at birth. It is a chronic disorder that can last for years or even a lifetime. Currently there is no cure for Cerebral Palsy, but treatment is available that may help symptoms subside.
Cerebral Palsy risk factors are events, substances, or circumstances that increase the risk of developing Cerebral Palsy. Just because your baby has one of the risk factors, it does not mean that they will surely have the disorder. And the absence of risk factors does not guarantee that they will be spared. Your knowledge of potential risk factors can help keep your baby safe.
Many experts recommend meeting with a physician prior to becoming pregnant to receive a complete reproductive health assessment. Social habits, medical history, exposure to prescription medications, and exposure to harmful chemicals and recreational drugs are all possible risk factors that can be determined before pregnancy.