Are There Situations When Cerebral Palsy Can Be Prevented?
Prevention During the Pregnancy
Throughout the pregnancy, the obstetrician must ensure that they are properly monitoring the health of the mother and the baby. This includes checking and treating potential viruses, and identifying health issues that could be problematic.
Your doctor may also perform a Rhesus factor test which can determine whether or not you are Rh-negative. This isn’t necessarily a health issue, but it could cause problems during the actual pregnancy that could be an issue for child development.
Prevention During and After Birth
During the actual delivery process, the baby must be properly monitored, and the fetal heart rate should be done in a manner to protect the infant. Failure to do so could allow a condition to persist, such as asphyxiation, potentially causing cerebral palsy.
After the birth, certain conditions must be closely monitored, such as severe cases of jaundice. This is a condition that can lead to cerebral palsy if it goes untreated. Failure to provide treatment is a negligent action and the doctor should be held accountable.
While cerebral palsy may not be entirely preventable, there are certain actions that can be taken to help. When these actions are not taken and there is negligence involved in the development of cerebral palsy, you as a parent have legal options.
At Brown & Barron, we have dedicated Baltimore birth injury attorneys who have the knowledge, skill, and experience necessary to guide you through the complex process. We’re here during a time when you need us most.