Intrauterine infection is an important risk factor for neonatal brain damage and neurological dysfunction. Viruses, bacteria, and protozoa can cause intrauterine infection which results in neonatal brain damage. The inflammatory response is an important pathogenic factor for neonatal brain damage caused by intrauterine infection. Intrauterine infection in different periods of pregnancy might cause different types of brain damage in neonates. Clinicians should pay attention to the prevention of intrauterine infection during pregnancy. It is necessary to further strengthen the clinical and basic research to explore effective interventions for neonatal brain damage caused by intrauterine infection.