One of the most common causes of cerebral palsy in babies and infants is asphyxia, a condition in which the body encounters a lack of oxygen, or significantly reduced oxygen. This lack of oxygen can cause brain damage to the area of the brain that controls motor function, resulting in cerebral palsy.

Asphyxia can occur during the birthing process, or well after. Common causes of asphyxia include the following:

• Premature birth. Babies who are born prematurely and are significantly underweight frequently have underdeveloped lungs. The underdeveloped lungs prevent adequate oxygen from reaching the brain, causing asphyxia.

• Pressure to the cranium. A child who remains “stuck” in the birth canal for too long can result in bleeding in the brain, or lack of oxygen to the brain.

• Delivery complications. Delivery complications such as a prolapsed cord or other umbilical cord issues, a birth canal that it too small to allow the baby to pass in a timely manner, abnormal presentation, and premature placental separation can cause asphyxia that results in cerebral palsy.

• Maternal events. Maternal events such as cardiac complications, high blood pressure, diabetes, uterine ruptures, and trauma can all result in lack of oxygen to the brain of the developing fetus.

• Early childhood events. There are three common causes of asphyxia in the young child—choking on objects such as small toys or food, near drowning, and poisoning.

If you think your child’s cerebral palsy is the result of negligence that resulted in asphyxia, take some time to learn how we can help. While asphyxia is a tragic event that will forever change the life of both you and your child, with the right benefits and therapies there is hope for a happy and productive life.