Cerebral Palsy

The cause of cerebral palsy (CP) sometimes is not known. But links have been identified between CP and certain conditions during pregnancy, birth, and early childhood. Some of these can be prevented, and some cannot.

You can help prevent CP before and during your pregnancy by having healthy habits.

• Eat nutritious foods.
• Do not smoke.
• Avoid exposure to harmful substances.
• See your doctor regularly.

Also, help prevent CP in your young child by minimizing your child's risk for sustaining a brain injury.

• Take measures to prevent accidents.
• Make sure you are familiar with the signs of jaundice in newborns.
• Know how to prevent lead poisoning.
• Keep your child away from people who have serious contagious illnesses, such as meningitis.
• Make sure your child's immunizations are up-to-date. For more information, see the topic Immunizations.