Question

What is the probability of newborns developing cerebral palsy?

Answer

Cerebral palsy has various triggering factors, among which premature birth, low birth weight, and newborn asphyxia all belong to the high-risk group. Experts point out that the high-risk period for cerebral palsy occurs before birth, during birth, and within one month after birth. During these periods, if a child’s brain tissue is damaged during the immature stage of development, it will lead to a non-progressive and irreversible change, resulting in a syndrome primarily characterized by abnormal posture and motor impairments. Medical research shows that compared to babies born at 40 weeks of pregnancy, those born at 37 weeks have a 90% higher risk of developing cerebral palsy, and those born after 42 weeks also have a 40% increased risk.