Unexpected problems at birth can cause a child to born with cerebral palsy.

An expectant mother has several important decisions to make regarding the birth of her unborn child. Where to deliver, who should deliver, and how to deliver are a few things to consider to ensure a safe and healthy birth.

It is very important to choose a delivering hospital that can handle emergency situations. Women with health problems or those who are at high risk for problems during the delivery process should give birth in a hospital. Hospitals offer the most advanced medical equipment and highly trained doctors for expectant mothers and their babies. In a hospital, doctors can do emergency cesarean sections if the mother or unborn baby is in danger or distress during labor. In some situations medical mistakes are made in which a child is born not breathing and requires intensive care. It is important to make sure that the hospital you choose has a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The NICU has specialized health care professionals and advanced medical equipment necessary to care for a child born with cerebral palsy.

Women have choices in who will deliver their unborn child, such as a nurse midwife or a medical doctor. An obstetrical doctor (OB) is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of expectant mothers and in delivering of babies. Obstetrical doctors also have special training in surgery so they are capable of doing episiotomies and cesarean sections if needed. Children with cerebral palsy are usually born with complications at birth. Such complications include a child who is born not breathing, the need for ventilator assistance to breath, and seizures following delivery. An obstetrical doctor is trained on how to handle unfortunate situations such as these. Although you don’t anticipate that your child will be born with these complications that result in cerebral palsy, an obstetrical doctor would be the best choice should the situation present itself.

A child can be born either naturally (NSVD) or by cesarean section. During a cesarean section delivery, the doctor makes an incision in the mother's abdomen / uterus and removes the baby. This type of delivery is used if the mother has had a prior c-section, or if an emergency situation presents itself. When a child is experiencing fetal distress, a c-section can save the life of the unborn child. Most c-sections result in a healthy mother and baby, however, significant brain injury may have already occurred resulting in cerebral palsy. If your child was born with complications at birth resulting in cerebral palsy, you may want to consult with a qualified birth injury law firm to protect your special needs child.