Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Caput Succedaneum
Caput Succedaneum
Elsevier Patient Education © 2023 Elsevier Inc..
Last revised: October 6, 2023.
Caput succedaneum is swelling of a baby’s scalp that occurs during labor. This condition happens when fluid builds up in the scalp. It is caused by pressure on the baby’s scalp and skull as the baby passes through the birth canal.
What are the causes?
-
Tools that are used to deliver the baby.
-
Pressure that is caused by the head passing through the birth canal.
What increases the risk?
-
Being born by vaginal delivery.
-
Being delivered with a vacuum extractor or forceps.
-
Being delivered more than 18 hours after labor begins.
-
Having a mother who has a small birth canal or a cervix that does not widen enough (dilate).
-
Being delivered with too little amniotic fluid present before delivery.
-
Being larger than normal (large for gestational age).
What are the signs or symptoms?
-
A soft swelling under the baby’s scalp.
-
Redness or bruising in the swollen area.
How is this diagnosed?
-
There is a large amount of swelling that does not go away in 48–72 hours.
-
There is an increase in the swelling 24 hours after delivery.
-
There are concerns about your baby’s brain, muscles, nerves, reflexes, or blood pressure.
How is this treated?
Treatment is not needed for this condition. The swelling usually goes away in 4–6 days, and the scalp returns to its normal shape.
Follow these instructions at home:
-
Keep all follow-up visits. This is important.
Contact a health care provider if:
-
The swelling has not improved after 72 hours.
-
The swelling seems to be getting larger.
-
Your baby is not feeding well.
-
Your baby is vomiting.
Get help right away if your baby:
-
Has a seizure.
-
Is difficult to awaken.
-
Has trouble breathing.
Summary
-
Caput succedaneum is swelling of a baby’s scalp that occurs during labor.
-
This condition is caused by pressure on the baby’s scalp and skull as the baby passes through the birth canal.
-
Treatment is not needed for this condition. The swelling usually goes away in 4–6 days, and the baby’s scalp returns to its normal shape.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
