The exact cause or causes of cerebral palsy may be difficult to pinpoint, however it is well understood that this condition occurs because of some type or trauma to the child's brain before, during or shortly after birth. In some cases the brain may not form properly during the pregnancy. This may be caused by exposure to toxins, medications, genetic factors or health issues with the mother or the fetus. During birth lack of oxygen to the brain or any type of trauma that causes internal bleeding in the brain may result in some degree of cerebral palsy. There are medical situations or mistakes that can also lead to trauma or injury to the brain that may be directly linked to the cause of a baby's cerebral palsy. These mistakes can include failing to recognize seizures in the newborn and provide appropriate treatment, improper use of forceps in a vaginal birth or an improperly handled c-section or lack of planning for a c-section that leads to the baby's birth being delayed, causing trauma on the brain or lack of oxygen.