Caput succedaneum is a swelling of the scalp in a newborn baby. It is caused by pressure on the baby’s head during delivery. The most common cause of caput succedaneum is a prolonged or difficult vaginal delivery. This can happen if the baby is large, if the mother has a narrow pelvis, or if there are complications during labor.
Other causes of caput succedaneum include:
- Premature rupture of membranes (PROM)
- Low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios)
- The use of forceps or vacuum extraction during delivery
Caput succedaneum is usually harmless and goes away on its own within a few days. In some cases, it can cause jaundice, which is a yellowing of the skin and eyes. Jaundice is usually mild and goes away on its own within a few weeks.
The symptoms of caput succedaneum include:
- A soft, swollen area on the baby’s scalp
- The swelling may be more pronounced on the top of the head
- The swelling may be bluish or red
- The baby may have difficulty feeding
If you are concerned about your baby’s caput succedaneum, talk to your doctor. They can assess the severity of the swelling and recommend any necessary treatment.
Here is some additional information about caput succedaneum:
- Caput succedaneum is not a birth injury. It is a normal occurrence that happens in about 1 in 3 newborns.
- The swelling usually goes away within a few days. In some cases, it may take up to 2 weeks.
- There is no treatment for caput succedaneum. The swelling will go away on its own.
- If the swelling is severe, your doctor may recommend that you keep your baby’s head elevated.
- Caput succedaneum does not cause any long-term problems.
If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s caput succedaneum, talk to your doctor.
