The underlying cause of all cases of cerebral palsy is the same. Cerebral palsy is caused by damage or developmental defects to the areas of the brain that control the movement of the body and coordination. Brain damage resulting in cerebral palsy can occur in the later stage of pregnancy, during labor & delivery, or shortly after birth. The exact source of brain damage can vary greatly. According to the American Pregnancy Association, 20% of cerebral palsy cases are caused by labor and delivery events and 70% are attributable to events during pregnancy.

Oxygen Deprivation: Oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) to the baby's brain is one of the leading causes of cerebral palsy. Throughout pregnancy and childbirth, a baby's brain is in a very vulnerable position. The brain needs a continuous supply of oxygen & blood. If the circulation of blood and oxygen to the baby's brain is interrupted or restricted during, damage to brain cells can occur in a matter of minutes. There are a wide variety of obstetrical complications and events during pregnancy and childbirth that can threaten the supply of oxygen to the baby's brain.

Maternal Infections: Maternal infections during pregnancy, labor, and delivery can potentially cause damage to the baby's brain resulting in cerebral palsy. Recent studies have shown that during pregnancy viral infections such as rubella and cytomegalovirus; and parasitic infections like toxoplasmosis can damage the baby's developing brain and result in cerebral palsy. Infections of the placental membranes and amniotic fluids (chorioamnionitis) can also damage brain cells in the baby and cause cerebral palsy.

Premature Birth: Babies that are born prematurely are 30 times more likely to be diagnosed with cerebral palsy compared to full-term babies. One of the main reasons for this is premature babies frequently experience brain hemorrhages and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) - both of which cause the type of brain damage that results in cerebral palsy.

C-Section Delays: When complications arise during labor and delivery, a timely emergency c-section can be the only way to avoid oxygen deprivation and brain damage to the baby. Unfortunately, mistakes are sometimes made by doctors in the delivery room and emergency c-sections are not always performed when they should be. Even a very short delay in performing a c-section can damage the baby's brain and result in cerebral palsy.

Head Trauma: External trauma to the baby's head during childbirth can potentially cause the type of brain damage that results in cerebral palsy. During a vaginal delivery, the baby often becomes stuck or has difficulty passing through the birth canal. When this occurs doctors will often use devices such as obstetrical forceps or vacuum extractors to dislodge the baby and facilitate delivery. Using these devices requires a high level of skill because they can easily cause an excessive level of force on the baby's head and cause internal damage.