Caput succedaneum is a common, temporary swelling that can appear on a newborn’s scalp. This condition is generally harmless and a normal occurrence for many babies following birth. It involves a collection of fluid, or edema, just beneath the skin of the scalp. While its appearance can be concerning for new parents, it typically resolves without intervention.
What It Is and What Causes It
Caput succedaneum presents as a soft, puffy swelling on a newborn’s head, usually noticeable immediately at birth. This swelling can feel spongy to the touch and may exhibit bruising or discoloration. A distinguishing characteristic is that the swelling often crosses the skull’s suture lines, which are the fibrous joints between the bones. The primary cause is pressure exerted on the baby’s head during labor and delivery.
Pressure from the mother’s uterus, vaginal walls, or cervix as the baby moves through the birth canal can lead to this fluid buildup. Prolonged labor is a common factor, as it means the baby’s head experiences sustained pressure. Medical interventions such as vacuum extraction or forceps delivery can also increase the likelihood due to the added pressure they apply. In some instances, it can even occur before birth if the amniotic sac breaks prematurely, removing the cushioning fluid around the baby’s head.
How It’s Managed and What to Expect
Caput succedaneum does not require specific medical treatment, as it is a benign and self-limiting condition. The fluid collected in the scalp is naturally reabsorbed by the body. This process usually leads to the swelling resolving on its own within 48 hours to 4 days after birth.
Medical observation is sufficient to monitor the condition. While the appearance of the swelling can be alarming, the baby’s head will return to its normal shape without any lasting effects. In rare cases, the bruising associated with caput succedaneum might increase bilirubin levels, potentially leading to newborn jaundice, which would then require monitoring or treatment.
Caput Succedaneum Versus Other Conditions
It is important to differentiate caput succedaneum from other types of newborn head swellings, particularly cephalohematoma. Caput succedaneum is characterized by soft, diffuse swelling that crosses the skull’s suture lines. It is present at birth and resolves relatively quickly.
In contrast, a cephalohematoma is a collection of blood that forms between the skull bone and its protective membrane, the periosteum. Unlike caput succedaneum, a cephalohematoma feels firmer, does not cross the suture lines, and may take hours to a full day to become noticeable after birth. Cephalohematomas also take significantly longer to resolve, often weeks or even months, as the body reabsorbs the blood. While both conditions are benign and caused by pressure during delivery, these distinctions help healthcare providers determine the correct diagnosis and reassure parents.