As cerebral palsy is a consequence of damage to a developing brain, it can occur anytime during pregnancy, during labor, just before birth, during birth, in a newborn child or in early childhood.
If the pregnant woman contracts rubella, herpes simplex, or other types of infection, it could affect the development of the fetal brain and cause cerebral palsy. Placental abnormalities could deprive the brain tissue of the much-needed oxygen for proper growth. Malnutrition deprives the fetus of the essential nutrients and the use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco could pose hazards to the fetal brain. Untreated high blood pressure and high blood sugar levels and blood type incompatibly are risk factors. Multiple births (twins or triplets) would mean that the weight of each infant is less and is more vulnerable. .

During birth: Positioning of the baby in a breech or transverse manner which makes delivery difficult, small pelvic structure of the woman or the use of anesthetics and analgesics during birth, rupture of the amniotic membranes leading to infection, compression of the umbilical cord, untreated seizures, problems with the heart are all contributory factors. Children who do not cry within the first five minutes of birth or have to be kept on a ventilator for a few weeks are also prone to CP.

In early childhood:
CP may occur if the brain is damaged by meningitis, hemorrhages, head injuries resulting from accidents or falls, and asphyxia (lack of oxygen during drowning) or poisoning.

These however are not the only causes of cerebral palsy. There are a number of cases where it is actually very difficult to determine the actual cause. Some children have congenital defects in the heart, kidney or spine and they are very vulnerable to Cerebral Palsy. Although we do know much about CP than we did a decade ago, it is not possible to identify a particular pattern of symptoms, which could result in CP.