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Caput succedaneum
Caput
Caput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp in a newborn. It is most often brought on by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.
Swelling
Swelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...
Causes
A caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a long or hard delivery. It is more common after the membranes have broken. This is because the fluid in the amniotic sac is no longer providing a cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction done during a difficult birth can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum.
A caput succedaneum may be detected by prenatal ultrasound, even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. Very often, this is due to an early rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid. It is less likely that a caput will form if the membranes stay intact.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
-
Soft, puffy swelling on the scalp of a
newborn infant
Newborn infant
A neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.
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Possible
bruising
or color change on the scalp swelling area
Bruising
Bleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Swelling that may extend to both sides of the scalp
- Swelling that is most often seen on the portion of the head which presented first
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will look at the swelling to confirm that it is a caput succedaneum. No other testing is needed.
Treatment
No treatment is needed. The problem most often goes away on its own within a few days.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Complete recovery can be expected. The scalp will go back to a normal shape.
Possible Complications
Complications may include a yellow color to the skin ( jaundice ) if bruising is involved.
Jaundice
Newborn jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replac...
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Most of the time, the problem is noticed right after birth. You do not need to call your provider unless you have other questions.
References
Mangurten HH, Puppala BI, Prazad PA. Birth injuries. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 30.
Review Date: 4/27/2015
Reviewed By: Kimberly G Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
