Cerebral Palsy Prevention

Prevention

Several of the causes of cerebral palsy that have been identified through research are preventable or treatable:

• Before getting pregnant, receive a vaccination for rubella.
• Seek out early prenatal care.
• Receive testing for blood-type problems. Get treatment if tests reveal incompatible blood types.
• Do not smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs while pregnant.
• Put the baby in a child safety seat when in the car.
• Insist that the child wear a helmet when on a bicycle.
• Seek help if you have or want to hurt the child.
• Keep poisons away from your child.
• Closely supervise bathing.
• Get your child immunized at the recommended time.
• If your baby becomes sick, call the doctor right away.