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Cerebral Palsy: Steps To Prevent Brain Damage In Babies

Published

4 months ago

January 24, 2026

Some measures can be taken before and during pregnancy, as well as after childbirth, to reduce the risk of developmental conditions such as cerebral palsy. Research shows that regular intake of folic acid during pregnancy can significantly lower the risk of premature birth by as much as 70 per cent.

In addition, a growing body of evidence supports the use of magnesium sulfate, an inexpensive but effective injection, in preventing cerebral palsy among premature babies.

Researchers at the University of Bristol led a programme, known as the “Prevention of Cerebral Palsy in Preterm Labour (PReCePT)” project, to increase the use of this treatment. Findings from the initiative were published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood.

Babies born before 34 weeks of pregnancy are classified as premature. The final weeks of pregnancy are critical for the development of vital organs such as the brain, lungs, and liver. As a result, premature infants face a higher risk of long-term health challenges compared to full-term babies. These may include chronic illnesses, asthma, feeding difficulties, and an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Cerebral palsy is a condition caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain, affecting a child’s ability to control movement and posture. This damage can occur before birth, during delivery, shortly after birth, or within the early years of life while the brain is still developing.

In the past, lack of oxygen during childbirth was believed to be the main cause of cerebral palsy. However, researchers now understand that this accounts for only a small proportion of cases.

Current evidence shows that administering magnesium sulphate to women at risk of preterm birth can protect babies from brain injury and reduce the risk of cerebral palsy by about one-third. Despite this, the treatment has not always been routinely given to all eligible women in many countries.

The PReCePT programme was first developed in the West of England in 2014 by the West of England Academic Health Science Network (AHSN) in collaboration with University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust.

It was later piloted in five NHS trusts and evaluated by the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West. Following its success, the programme was expanded nationwide across England through the AHSN Network.

Researchers estimated that in its first year alone, the programme could generate lifetime savings of approximately £3 million for society. This figure accounts for the cost of implementing the programme, treating cerebral palsy over a lifetime, and the health benefits gained from preventing new cases.

Commenting on the findings, Professor Chris Aimakhu, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, explained that magnesium sulphate works by helping to halt premature labour.

“When a woman goes into labour too early, magnesium sulphate helps stop the contractions,” he said. “It does not directly affect the baby’s brain. Its role is to prevent early delivery, which in turn reduces the risk associated with prematurity.”

Professor Aimakhu noted that premature labour can occur for various reasons, including fibroids during pregnancy, infections such as malaria, or urinary tract infections.

“Once contractions begin, if they are not stopped, they can lead to the opening of the cervix and early delivery,” he added.

However, he cautioned that magnesium sulphate is not suitable for all pregnant women.

“At UCH, Ibadan, we use it, but patients must be carefully selected,” he said. “The drug can have side effects, such as reduced urine output, and toxicity may cause respiratory depression or even arrest.”

Several factors increase a child’s risk of developing cerebral palsy. These include low birth weight, infections such as chickenpox or rubella during pregnancy, severe jaundice in newborns, complications involving the umbilical cord during birth, and certain maternal medical conditions like thyroid disorders, intellectual disability, or seizures.

Multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, also carry a higher risk, particularly if one baby dies before or shortly after birth. This increased risk is partly linked to the higher likelihood of premature birth and low birth weight in multiple pregnancies.

Ensuring a healthy pregnancy is key to preventing developmental problems, including cerebral palsy. Recommended steps include maintaining good health before conception, receiving vaccinations against diseases like rubella and chickenpox, and attending early and regular prenatal care appointments.

Women who are at risk of preterm delivery are encouraged to discuss preventive options with their healthcare providers. Studies confirm that administering magnesium sulphate before an anticipated early preterm birth significantly reduces the risk of cerebral palsy among surviving infants.

News

Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

Published

45 minutes ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

News

Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Published

3 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

19 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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