What Is Cerebral Palsy Medical Malpractice?

A growing fetus relies on a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients delivered through the placenta. If this supply is interrupted or tainted with infections, harmful medications, or other detrimental substances, it could compromise brain development, leading to multiple disorders such as blindness, seizures, and cerebral palsy.

The most common forms of medical neglect during prenatal care that may lead to brain damage and cerebral palsy include the following:

• Unaddressed infections during pregnancy – Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infections than other healthy adults, but many infections can be prevented or quickly remedied through education, pre-screening, and prompt treatment. Infections known to lead to cerebral palsy include chickenpox, German measles, toxoplasmosis, chorioamnionitis, and cytomegalovirus.
• Poor medication management during pregnancy – Some medications can transfer through the placenta and harm the fetus. This risk must be carefully balanced with the health needs of the mother. The FDA classifies drugs into five categories based on pregnancy safety. Health care providers should work as a team to serve the needs of both the mother and the baby when the mother requires medication during pregnancy.
• Mismanagement of Incompatible Blood Types – When the mother’s blood type is Rh-negative, and the fetus has Rh-positive blood, the mother’s body may make antibodies against the baby’s red blood cells, leading to severe jaundice, brain damage, and reduced muscle tone. Diligent prenatal care providers can prevent complications by providing immune globulin to Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy.