Rachel V Thomas

Health and Me

World Cerebral Palsy Day: Baby Not Sitting by 9 Months? Warning Signs Parents Should Know

Timely care during pregnancy, delivery, the newborn period and early childhood can help reduce some risks associated with <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cerebral-palsy">cerebral palsy</a></span>, a group of lifelong <span>neurological disorders</span> affecting movement, muscle tone and posture, experts said on the occasion of <span>World Cerebral Palsy Day</span>. 

Observed annually on October 6, World <span>Cerebral Palsy Day</span> aims to raise awareness, advocate for equal rights and support the more than 50 million people living with cerebral palsy (CP) worldwide. 

Speaking to <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>, experts said preventing cerebral palsy may not always be possible, but appropriate care before and after <span>birth</span> and early recognition of developmental concerns can help reduce some risks and ensure timely support. 

"While cerebral palsy cannot always be prevented, reducing avoidable risks around pregnancy and childbirth, recognizing complications such as reduced oxygen supply promptly, and providing appropriate newborn and developmental care can make a meaningful difference to a child’s health and functioning," Dr Neelam Suri, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>. 

<h2>Pregnancy and Birth: How Can The Risk Be Reduced? </h2>

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/rare-pregnancy-infections-linked-to-3-fold-higher-autism-risk-what-is-torch-article-156211123" data-type="tilCustomLink">Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked To 3-Fold Higher Autism Risk: What Is TORCH?</a>

Dr Suri stressed the importance of regular <span>antenatal care</span> to identify and manage infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, fetal growth problems and other pregnancy complications. 

Preventing or appropriately managing preterm birth is also important, as premature babies have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. 

"One important concern around birth is <span>birth asphyxia</span>, where there is reduced oxygen supply to the baby’s brain, particularly during labor or delivery," Dr Suri said. 

Timely recognition of fetal distress and appropriate intervention during childbirth can help reduce complications associated with reduced oxygen to the brain. Monitoring the baby during labor and having access to timely obstetric and newborn care are therefore important. 

Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Director, Stereotactic &amp; Functional Neurosciences and Senior Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery &amp; Spinal Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, said the risk can also be lowered through regular antenatal check-ups, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, getting the rubella vaccine, treating infections promptly and avoiding smoking and alcohol. 

"If a baby is likely to be born early, delivering at a well-equipped center makes a real difference. So does quickly treating newborn jaundice or breathing [problems]," he added. 

<h2>After Birth: What Should Parents Watch For?</h2>

Read More: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/unsafe-sleep-factors-linked-to-73-of-sudden-unexpected-infant-deaths-in-us-cdc-article-156262089" data-type="tilCustomLink">Unsafe Sleep Factors Linked To 73% Of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths In US: CDC</a>

Premature or medically vulnerable babies may need closer monitoring for breathing difficulties, infections, seizures and other problems that can affect the developing brain. Babies who experienced complications around birth may also require neurological and developmental follow-up. 

Parents should pay attention to developmental milestones rather than waiting for delays to resolve on their own. 

<h2>Early Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore </h2>

<strong>READ: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/parenting/world-meningitis-day-why-1-in-3-meningitis-deaths-occur-in-children-under-5-article-156278649" data-type="tilCustomLink">World Meningitis Day: Why 1 In 3 Meningitis Deaths Occur In Children Under 5</a>

"Parents are often told their child is just a late bloomer, but some signs need a doctor's attention," Dr Sawhney, told <strong><em>HealthandMe</em></strong>.

Parents should consult a doctor if their baby: 

<ul><li>Cannot hold up their head by four months </li></ul><ul><li>Is not sitting by nine months </li></ul><ul><li>Feels unusually stiff or floppy when picked up </li></ul><ul><li>Favors one hand before the first birthday </li></ul><ul><li>Has legs that cross like scissors </li></ul><ul><li>Shows persistent toe-walking </li></ul>These signs do not necessarily mean a child has cerebral palsy but warrant medical evaluation, the expert said. 

"The first two to three years are when a child's developing brain adapts most easily. Starting physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy early helps children build healthy movement patterns. It also stops muscles from tightening into permanent contractures," Dr Sawhney said. 

Regular hip and spine monitoring, bracing and, where needed, corrective surgery can also support mobility and independence. 

"With regular hip and spine monitoring, bracing and, where needed, corrective surgery, many children go on to walk, play and attend school independently," he added. 

The focus, experts said, should be on timely care from pregnancy through early childhood, with developmental concerns assessed as early as possible. 

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Timely care during pregnancy, delivery, the newborn period and early childhood can help reduce some risks associated with cerebral palsy, a group of lifelong neurological disorders affecting movement, muscle tone and posture, experts said on the occasion of World Cerebral Palsy Day. Observed annually on October 6, World Cerebral Palsy Day aims to raise awareness, advocate for equal rights and support the more than 50 million people living with cerebral palsy (CP) worldwide. Speaking to HealthandMe, experts said preventing cerebral palsy may not always be possible, but appropriate care before and after birth and early recognition of developmental concerns can help reduce some risks and ensure timely support. "While cerebral palsy cannot always be prevented, reducing avoidable risks around pregnancy and childbirth, recognizing complications such as reduced oxygen supply promptly, and providing appropriate newborn and developmental care can make a meaningful difference to a child’s health and functioning," Dr Neelam Suri, Senior Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Delhi, told HealthandMe. Pregnancy and Birth: How Can The Risk Be Reduced? Also read: Rare Pregnancy Infections Linked To 3-Fold Higher Autism Risk: What Is TORCH? Dr Suri stressed the importance of regular antenatal care to identify and manage infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, fetal growth problems and other pregnancy complications. Preventing or appropriately managing preterm birth is also important, as premature babies have a higher risk of developing cerebral palsy. "One important concern around birth is birth asphyxia, where there is reduced oxygen supply to the baby’s brain, particularly during labor or delivery," Dr Suri said. Timely recognition of fetal distress and appropriate intervention during childbirth can help reduce complications associated with reduced oxygen to the brain. Monitoring the baby during labor and having access to timely obstetric and newborn care are therefore important. Dr Gurneet Singh Sawhney, Director, Stereotactic & Functional Neurosciences and Senior Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery & Spinal Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Mumbai, said the risk can also be lowered through regular antenatal check-ups, controlling diabetes and blood pressure, getting the rubella vaccine, treating infections promptly and avoiding smoking and alcohol. "If a baby is likely to be born early, delivering at a well-equipped center makes a real difference. So does quickly treating newborn jaundice or breathing [problems]," he added. After Birth: What Should Parents Watch For?Read More: Unsafe Sleep Factors Linked To 73% Of Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths In US: CDCPremature or medically vulnerable babies may need closer monitoring for breathing difficulties, infections, seizures and other problems that can affect the developing brain. Babies who experienced complications around birth may also require neurological and developmental follow-up. Parents should pay attention to developmental milestones rather than waiting for delays to resolve on their own.  Early Warning Signs Parents Should Not Ignore READ: World Meningitis Day: Why 1 In 3 Meningitis Deaths Occur In Children Under 5"Parents are often told their child is just a late bloomer, but some signs need a doctor's attention," Dr Sawhney, told HealthandMe.Parents should consult a doctor if their baby: Cannot hold up their head by four months Is not sitting by nine months Feels unusually stiff or floppy when picked up Favors one hand before the first birthday Has legs that cross like scissors Shows persistent toe-walking These signs do not necessarily mean a child has cerebral palsy but warrant medical evaluation, the expert said. Why Early Intervention Matters"The first two to three years are when a child's developing brain adapts most easily. Starting physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy early helps children build healthy movement patterns. It also stops muscles from tightening into permanent contractures," Dr Sawhney said. Regular hip and spine monitoring, bracing and, where needed, corrective surgery can also support mobility and independence. "With regular hip and spine monitoring, bracing and, where needed, corrective surgery, many children go on to walk, play and attend school independently," he added. The focus, experts said, should be on timely care from pregnancy through early childhood, with developmental concerns assessed as early as possible. 

world cerebral palsy day: baby not sitting by 9 months? warning signs parents should know

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World Cerebral Palsy Day: Baby Not Sitting by 9 Months? Warning Signs Parents Should Know

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