A recent study by the March of Dimes and Kaiser Permanente Division of Research found that babies born about three weeks prematurely are three times more likely to have
cerebral palsy than babies born at full term. The findings are derived from 140,000 accounts of children who were born at 30 weeks gestation or later.
First Study to Focus on Late Preterm Babies
Studies observing the relation between cerebral palsy and
gestational age have been done in the past, but in most cases they have focused on very preterm babies. According to the studies lead author, Joann Petrini, this is the first time a study of this kind has focused specifically on late preterm babies.
Petrini says she was surprised by the study’s results, "Our research adds to the growing body of evidence showing that being born just a few weeks too soon can have lasting consequences that can no longer be described as temporary or benign."
Late Preemies Have Higher Risk of Health Issues
In addition to late preemies having three times the likelihood of having cerebral palsy, an increased risk of a number of other health issues were found to be associated with
late preterm birth.
Increased risk of the following health issues were associated with late preterm birth:
- Cerebral palsy
- Breathing problems
- Feeding difficulties
- Temperature instability (hypothermia)
- Jaundice
- Delayed brain development
- Mental retardation
- Death
Related Cerebral Palsy Statistics
Cerebral palsy numbers continue to grow as the survival rate of premature babies increase due to medical advances. The following statistical facts about cerebral palsy reflect numbers that will continue to grow.
- Of all diagnosed cases of cerebral palsy, congenital cerebral palsy accounts for 70 percent of diagnosis in children
- 20 percent are diagnosed with congenital cerebral palsy due to a brain injury during child delivery.
- 10 percent acquire the disorder after birth.
(Source: San Francisco Chronicle)
Was your child born with cerebral palsy? If so, contact us today to speak with a
cerebral palsy attorney to see if you qualify for compensation for medical bills, lost wages and emotional injuries due to the illness.
