Maternal Illnesses Linked to Cerebral Palsy
No parent would ever like his or her child to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy. This is for the simple reason that the condition would truly affect and hinder any baby’s normal growth and development. This brain condition is not a cause for retardation, but it could very much affect the motor development. Thus, cerebral palsy patients are not able to walk normally, though they could still be mobile with the use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, and walkers.
No one has to be blamed for the onset of cerebral palsy in any baby. The mother, particularly, should be spared from the usual feeling of guilt. This is more truthful especially because most of the risk factors associated with cerebral palsy are directly involving her overall health. To begin with, it has been found that a difference or incompatibility of blood type between a mother and her baby could be a factor that is common among cerebral palsy cases. Any mother could not do anything with this. But they could always take care of their health to avoid the following diseases that could affect the future health of the baby in her womb.
Viral infections during pregnancy heighten risk factors that a baby would develop cerebral palsy in the long run. One of the most usual diseases is rubella or German measles. Three-day measles, as it is commonly called, is very risky because it does not only pose serious immediate threats. It could also take the potential to cause several other diseases and complications to the child. This disease could be very well avoided through vaccines. Another viral infection pregnant mothers should avoid is varicella or chickenpox. This ailment has been found to be related to later development of what is called as shingles. Again, proper vaccination could prevent its onset.
Flu is very common. There is a flu-like illness called cytomegalovirus that is infecting up to about 80% of the entire population. Because it could easily be contracted, pregnant mothers are advised to lessen the risks. This flu-like ailment is also targeting people who are 40 years old and older. In general, it has been found that a pregnant woman who experiences a first bout of this disease during pregnancy could pose risks of several birth defects to the unborn baby. It may not only be cerebral palsy, but also a host of several other more serious conditions.
Exposure of the pregnant mother to toxins and parasites could boost risk factors of cerebral palsy in her baby. Particularly, the mom should be wary against exposure to mercury. As for harmful pathogens and parasites, she should avoid being exposed to toxoplasmosis. This is a kind of harmful parasite that is mostly found in abundance in the soil as well as in the feces of several infected animals or pets like cats. Toxoplasmosis could pose harm to unborn fetuses especially if the infection occurs during any point of the pregnancy.
Lastly, pregnant women should avoid specific types of sexually transmitted or venereal diseases during pregnancy to be able to spare their unborn babies from the possibility of having cerebral palsy. Specifically, syphilis should be avoided because it could pose so many forms of harm to fetuses. Moms are advised to always remain healthy and safe during the entire length of pregnancy.
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