Question
What is the probability of the second child developing cerebral palsy after the first child has it?
Answer
The causes of cerebral palsy are diverse and can occur before, during, or in the first month after a child is born. The main factors can be categorized into three aspects: before birth, including fetal chromosomal abnormalities, intrauterine infections (such as rubella virus, herpes simplex virus, toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, etc.), treatment for threatened miscarriage, maternal exposure to radiation during pregnancy, carbon monoxide poisoning, pregnancy-induced hypertension, severe anemia, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies. During birth, including premature birth, low birth weight, neonatal asphyxia, difficult labor, breech presentation, umbilical cord around the neck, placenta previa, placental abruption, respiratory and cardiovascular abnormalities. After birth, including intracranial hemorrhage in newborns, seizures, neonatal jaundice, infections (such as meningitis, sepsis, aspiration pneumonia), and brain trauma. These factors can all lead to brain damage in the fetus and newborns, manifesting as motor impairments and postural abnormalities along with a series of associated disabilities. Therefore, to prevent the second child from developing cerebral palsy, it is recommended to undergo strict prenatal and postnatal health care, regular prenatal examinations, and actively adopt preventive measures.