How to Prevent Cerebral Palsy

The term cerebral palsy is used to denote a group of non-progressive and non-contagious motor conditions, which cause physical disability in a person. Movement of different parts of the body are affected due to this condition. When the motor control centers of the brain are damaged, the person may be affected with cerebral palsy. The damage can be caused during pregnancy, childbirth or due to accidents till the age of three. Cerebral palsy is a group of conditions together, while some of them may be caused, due to the reasons mentioned above, some of the causes of the condition are yet unknown. Therefore, arises the question, is cerebral palsy preventable. There are some measures, which can prove to be of help in preventing the condition up to a certain extent. Having said that we will turn towards measures to take to avoid cerebral palsy.

Methods to Prevent Cerebral Palsy

The most important part of the answer to the question, how to prevent cerebral palsy, is to take care during the period of pregnancy. A healthy pregnancy goes a long way in ensuring that the child is not affected with cerebral palsy. The measures to be taken for cerebral palsy prevention are listed below.

Quit Smoking and the Vices
Rather than looking for treatment for cerebral palsy later in life, would it not be great if the mothers to be quit smoking, at least during the pregnancy period? Research has proved that children born to non smoker mothers are healthy and have less chances of cerebral palsy. Along with smoking, alcohol and drugs also have to be off the radar.

Folic Acid
Most of us are aware of the fact that folic acid should be taken during the pregnancy months. However, it should not only be taken during the pregnancy months, but also about a year before going the family way. Taking folic acid helps in lowering the risks of premature delivery, as well as birth defects like cerebral palsy by about 70%.

Rubella Vaccination
Rubella virus, also known as German measles virus can cause birth defects, if expectant mothers are affected by it. There are two cases in which the child can be protected from the effects of this virus. Either the mother should have had rubella before her pregnancy or she should be vaccinated against rubella. However, it is important that the immunization happens at least 4 to 6 weeks before conceiving, so that it helps in preventing cerebral palsy.

The 'Rh' Factor
If any one of the partner has Rh negative, then she will have to take measures to protect the child. In most cases, this condition does not pose a big threat during the first pregnancy, but can be problematic during the subsequent pregnancies.

Treat all Infections
If there are any infections during pregnancy, measures should be taken to treat the condition at the earliest. One should not neglect the condition for whatever reason. Fever during pregnancy is a condition, which every mother-to-be should protect herself from. As far as stay away from people, who are infected, to protect the unborn child from infection.

Healthy Diet and Vitamins
Although it has been emphasized upon everywhere that one must follow a healthy diet, most of us tend to neglect this advice. However, expectant mothers must overtly be cautious about what they eat. Balanced diet with the right vitamin supplements and minerals are important during pregnancy to avoid cerebral palsy.

Jaundice in Newborn
Jaundice conditions in newborn should be treated with utmost care. Care should be taken that bile pigments do not build up and pose a threat to the brain of the child. There are different lines of treatment, which can be used for the same depending on the conditions of the child.

Protect the Child from Accidents
While traveling with the child in the car, it is important that the baby is properly secured. Head injury can also be one of the causes of cerebral palsy, therefore, care should be taken about the same. The child should be placed in the child seat and strapped properly, while traveling. Often small children are shaken to amuse them, however, this should be avoided for the risk of brain damage.

Lead Exposure
Care should be taken to ensure that the child is not exposed to lead. Lead poisoning is one of the causes of brain damage in small children. Along with lead, the child should also be protected from exposure to other harmful chemicals as well.

I hope with this write up, you know a little about measures to take for preventing cerebral palsy. If you notice any bizarre movements in your child, ceaseless crying, stiff body, etc., do not neglect the condition and consult the pediatrician about the same immediately.

Disclaimer: This write up should be used for informational purposes only. It is advisable to consult your health care professional to know about the measures to be taken in detail.