BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCaput succedaneumCaputCaput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp in a newborn. It is most often brought on by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes A caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a long or hard delivery. It is more common after the membranes have broken. This is because the fluid in the amniotic sac is no longer providing a cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction done during a difficult birth can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / A caput succedaneum may be detected by prenatal ultrasound, even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. Very often, this is due to an early rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid. It is less likely that a caput will form if the membranes stay intact. Symptoms Symptoms may include:Soft, puffy swelling on the scalp of a newborn infant Newborn infantA neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible bruising or color change on the scalp swelling area BruisingBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling that may extend to both sides of the scalp Swelling that is most often seen on the portion of the head which presented first Exams and Tests The health care provider will look at the swelling to confirm that it is a caput succedaneum. No other testing is needed. Treatment No treatment is needed. The problem most often goes away on its own within a few days. Outlook (Prognosis) Complete recovery can be expected. The scalp will go back to a normal shape. Possible Complications Complications may include a yellow color to the skin (jaundice) if bruising is involved. JaundiceNewborn jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replac...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Most of the time, the problem is noticed right after birth. You do not need to contact your provider unless you have other questions.Open ReferencesReferencesBalest AL, Riley MM, O'Donell B, Zarit JS. Neonatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 2.Prazad PA, Rajpal MN, Mangurten HH, Puppala BI. Birth injuries. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.AllVideoImagesTogCaput succedaneum - illustration Swelling and bruising usually occur on the top of the scalp where the head first enters the cervix during birth. This area is called a caput succedaneum and feels like a soft, spongy mass. This infant has a large caput on the right side of the scalp.Caput succedaneumillustrationCaput succedaneum - illustration Swelling and bruising usually occur on the top of the scalp where the head first enters the cervix during birth. This area is called a caput succedaneum and feels like a soft, spongy mass. This infant has a large caput on the right side of the scalp.Caput succedaneumillustrationRelated Information Swelling(Symptoms)Cervix(Special Topic)Bilirubin blood test(Medical Test)Hepatitis - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 4/28/2023 Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. 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Caput succedaneumCaputCaput succedaneum is swelling of the scalp in a newborn. It is most often brought on by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Causes A caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a long or hard delivery. It is more common after the membranes have broken. This is because the fluid in the amniotic sac is no longer providing a cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction done during a difficult birth can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / A caput succedaneum may be detected by prenatal ultrasound, even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. Very often, this is due to an early rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid. It is less likely that a caput will form if the membranes stay intact. Symptoms Symptoms may include:Soft, puffy swelling on the scalp of a newborn infant Newborn infantA neonate is a baby who is 4 weeks old or younger.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible bruising or color change on the scalp swelling area BruisingBleeding into the skin can occur from broken blood vessels that form tiny red dots (called petechiae). Blood also can collect under the tissue in la...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Swelling that may extend to both sides of the scalp Swelling that is most often seen on the portion of the head which presented first Exams and Tests The health care provider will look at the swelling to confirm that it is a caput succedaneum. No other testing is needed. Treatment No treatment is needed. The problem most often goes away on its own within a few days. Outlook (Prognosis) Complete recovery can be expected. The scalp will go back to a normal shape. Possible Complications Complications may include a yellow color to the skin (jaundice) if bruising is involved. JaundiceNewborn jaundice occurs when a baby has a high level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that the body creates when it replac...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article When to Contact a Medical Professional Most of the time, the problem is noticed right after birth. You do not need to contact your provider unless you have other questions.Open ReferencesReferencesBalest AL, Riley MM, O'Donell B, Zarit JS. Neonatology. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 2.Prazad PA, Rajpal MN, Mangurten HH, Puppala BI. Birth injuries. In: Martin RJ, Fanaroff AA, Walsh MC, eds. Fanaroff and Martin's Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 29.