Understanding cerebral palsy: Prevention

Can cerebral palsy be prevented?

To prevent cerebral palsy (CP), prospective parents should follow these guidelines:

• Have regular prenatal care. 
• Expectant mothers and, in some cases, expectant fathers should have a simple blood test to determine their Rh (rhesus) factor. An incompatibility between mother and baby usually does not cause problems with the first pregnancy. An injection given to the mother after delivery of an Rh positive child can prevent problems for future pregnancies. 
• Women should be immunised against rubella (German measles) before getting pregnant. 
• Women who are expecting or who plan to become pregnant should try to avoid toxoplasmosis by not eating undercooked pork or lamb and by keeping away from cat litter trays. When gardening wear gloves and wash your hands afterwards to prevent possible toxoplasmosis spreading to yourself due to the soil being infected from cats' faeces.
• Parents should follow safety precautions such as using child safety seats in cars to prevent head injuries, and having children wear safety equipment such as helmets for cycling and other activities. 
• Parents should seek treatment immediately for a baby who is jaundiced. If phototherapy isn't effective, as in some severe cases, a special form of blood transfusion can correct the jaundiced condition.