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When babies are born, there are a lot of different types
of pressures that they are exposed to. When the uterus
or vaginal wall puts a lot of pressure on their head because
of the head first delivery, the baby will sometimes suffer
from caput succedaneum. Caput succedaneum, or just caput,
is diffuse swelling of the scalp. Due to trauma experienced
through the birthing process, caput succedaneum will usually
affect the initial scalp area pushing through, though the
swelling can occur on any part of the scalp.
Caput succedaneum is evident by the soft and puffy swell
of the baby's scalp. In some instances, the swelling may
be more widespread over the scalp along with bruising.
There may also be an increased molding of the head with
caput succedaneum. If the baby has been affected, there
will be physical signs that caput succedaneum so tests
will not be necessary.
A complete and fast recovery will normally occur with
caput succedaneum. If the baby's scalp contour has changed,
a normal contour should be regained. Overall, caput succedaneum
is considered a normal part of the birthing process. While
the extent of the condition will be more serious in some
cases, caput succedaneum will not usually need any treatment.
Complications can arise, as with anything. If the bruise
breaks down into the breakdown product of hemoglobin, jaundice
can result. Most instances of caput succedaneum will not
lead to further complications, but in some cases doctors
and parents should be especially aware of the baby's healing
progress. For more information on caput succedaneum, please contact
us.
Additional Information on Caput Succedaneum:
American Academy of Family Physicians - The Newborn Examination- Emergencies and Common Abnormalities Involving the Skin, Head, Neck, Chest, and Respiratory and Cardiovascular Systems
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