Premature Birth

All babies born preterm are at risk for serious health problems, but those born earliest are at greater risk of medical complications, long-term disabilities and in some severe cases, even death. Fortunately, advances in obstetrics and neonatology, the branch of pediatrics that cares for newborns, have improved the chances for survival.

Premature birth, occurring before 37 weeks, is a risk factor for development of many medical conditions, including cerebral palsy. A pregnancy is considered full term when gestation lasts from 37 to 42 weeks. Infants born prematurely face a number of challenges. Their bodies and nervous system may not have fully developed, which can cause complications such as breathing problems. In addition, the mother’s womb shields the fetus from infections and various abnormalities; premature birth removes these protections and hence, many premature babies must stay in newborn intensive care units.

Premature birth does not mean a child will develop cerebral palsy or any health issues. Yet, nearly half of the children who do develop cerebral palsy were born prematurely. Many of the neurological conditions and causes associated with cerebral palsy (such as damage to the brain’s white matter, known as periventricular leukomalacia, or PVL) are closely linked to preterm delivery. Preterm babies also have an increased rate of infection, another significant risk factor for cerebral palsy.

Low and Very Low Birth Weight

Low birth weight (LBW) means a child was born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (approximately 2,500 grams) and is at a significant risk for developing cerebral palsy. About 7.6% of births qualify as low birth weight. The lower the birth weight of the child, the higher the risk for cerebral palsy.

Many healthy babies are born at a low birth weight. Sometimes, babies are just small, with no reason for concern. Other times, low birth weight may be an indication that the baby has not finished developing.

Very low birth weight (VLBW) is a subset of low birth weight occurring when a baby is born weighing less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces (nearly 1,500 grams). Many very low birth weight children are also born premature. Prematurity is, in itself, a risk factor for cerebral palsy.

Low or very low birth weight are considered to increase the likelihood of a child developing cerebral palsy. If the child is premature and has low birth weight they are at greater risk than if only one of the factors exist.

Birth Weight Chart

Birth Weight In Pounds In Grams
Extremely Low Birth Weight 2 lbs. 3 oz., or less Less than 1,000 grams
Very Low Birth Weight 2 lbs. 4 oz. to 3 lbs. 5 oz. 1,001 to 1,500 grams
Low Birth Weight 3 lbs. 6 oz. to 5 lbs. 8 oz. 1,501 to 2,500 grams
Average Birth Weight 5 lbs. 9 oz. to 8 lbs. 15 oz. 2,501 to 4,079 grams
High Birth Weight 9 lbs. and over 4,080 grams and over

Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors

There are ten common risk factors. To learn more about them, click one of the following:

The presence of one or more risk factors does not ensure a child will develop cerebral palsy; it means chances are higher than if that risk factor was not present. Likewise, the absence of risk factors does not ensure that a child will not develop cerebral palsy. Risk factors merely identify possible cause for concern. Avoiding risk factors will help prevent a child from developing cerebral palsy; any exposure to risk factors prior to conception and during pregnancy should be discussed with a doctor in order to effectively treat and manage risk. This list is not meant to be all-inclusive; other risk factors may contribute to the development of cerebral palsy, as well.