MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Caput succedaneum

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Caput succedaneum

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests	Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention

Illustrations

Caput succedaneum

Alternative names Return to top

Caput

Definition Return to top

Caput succedaneum is a diffuse swelling of the scalp in a newborn caused by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

A caput succedaneum is caused by the mechanical trauma of the initial portion of scalp pushing through a narrowed cervix. The swelling may be on any portion of the scalp, may cross the midline (as opposed to a cephalhematoma), and may be discolored because of slight bleeding in the area. There may also be molding of the head, which is common in association with a caput succedaneum.

Symptoms Return to top

soft, puffy swelling of the scalp in a newborn infant
swelling may or may not have some degree of bruising
swelling may extend over the midline of the scalp
is most often seen on the portion of the head which presented first
may be associated with increased molding of the head

Signs and tests Return to top

Physical examination confirms that the swelling is a caput succedaneum. No testing is necessary.

Treatment Return to top

No treatment is necessary, and it usually heals spontaneously within a few days.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Complete recovery can be expected, with the scalp regaining its normal contour.

Complications Return to top

Jaundice can result as the bruise breaks down into bilirubin.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

This condition is usually noticed immediately after delivery of the child, so no call is necessary -- unless you have additional questions.

Prevention Return to top

A caput succedaneum is considered a normal side effect of delivery. No active preventive measures are recommended.

Update Date: 4/23/2004

Updated by: Samuel Blackman, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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