Health Law

Late Preterm Babies Face Threefold Risk of Cerebral Palsy

Preterm birth has long been known to be a risk factor for cerebral palsy, but new research suggests that babies born late preterm (34-36 weeks gestation) face a significantly higher risk of being diagnosed with cerebral palsy than babies born at or after 37 weeks.

According to lead study author, Joan Petrini, babies born during the late preterm stage are three times more likely to develop cerebral palsy and 25 percent more likely to be diagnosed with mental retardation and/or developmental delays.

Unfortunately, the number of babies born between 34 and 36 weeks gestation is growing, in part because of an increase in the number of labor inductions and caesarean sections (which are not always medically necessary). Petrini estimates that about 370,000 babies are born late preterm each year in the U.S.

Doctors should inform women of the risks associated with preterm birth before inducing labor or scheduling an early C-section. Women who were not informed of the risks and who gave birth to a child with cerebral palsy should consider talking to an attorney.

Full post as published by Cerebral Palsy Law Blog on December 14, 2008 (boomark / email).