What to Do If Your Child Is Unexpectedly Born with Cerebral Palsy

The birth of a child can be an exciting yet stressful time for many people. Parents worry about the challenges that come with that birth, but many are concerned about other factors that might influence their child’s development. If you are wondering about the likelihood of your child being born with cerebral palsy and what to do about it, here are some tips that may help.

Assess the Risk Factors

There are no guarantees with any birth. However, you may be able to mitigate some of the risks that contribute to cerebral palsy. Certain kinds of infertility treatments, premature births, multiple births, complications at birth, low birth weights, and medical negligence are all factors which may contribute to a child developing cerebral palsy. Knowing how these things can affect your child’s development may help you.

Know How to Deal with Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is one of the things that can lead to your child developing cerebral palsy. If a doctor fails to order a C-section procedure when it becomes medically necessary or uses the wrong types of birth-assist tools, the child could suffer complications that develop into cerebral palsy. If this is the case, you need to know what your options are. Law firms such as Snyder & Wenner, P.C. can help you assess your options and take the next steps.

Understand the Effects of the Condition

“Cerebral palsy” is an umbrella term that encapsulates three main types of the condition and may include several other medical conditions that exacerbate it. Many children born with cerebral palsy need regular sessions of physical therapy to deal with decreased motor function, excessively tight muscles, and other factors. The severity of the condition can affect what parts of the body cerebral palsy impacts. A severe case may affect a child’s ability to move and speak clearly.

Be Prepared for Emotional Support

A child dealing with cerebral palsy has to learn how to manage a variety of physical symptoms on a daily basis. However, it is possible that the condition may take an emotional or psychological toll on him or her as well. Cerebral palsy can have an impact on how your child moves, speaks, or is able to perform certain tasks. These issues can lead to anxiety, self-doubt, or general feelings of inadequacy. It’s important that you care for the mind as well as the body.

Cerebral palsy is a common yet complex array of conditions can impact your child’s movement or speech. Knowing how to care for them both physically and emotionally can help you teach them how to manage and live with the condition.