What is caput succedaneum in newborns?
Caput succedaneum is a birth injury that causes swelling on a newborn’s scalp, usually from prolonged pressure during delivery.
When labor lasts too long or a baby is in a difficult position, pressure on the scalp can cause visible swelling and bruising. The risk is higher when assisted delivery tools like vacuum extractors or forceps are used, especially if too much force is applied.
In some situations, complications like jaundice, infection, or underlying head trauma can occur if the injury is not properly managed.
Many cases of caput succedaneum are preventable with careful monitoring and proper delivery techniques. When doctors overlook risk factors or misuse delivery tools, families may be able to take legal action through a birth injury lawsuit.
We partner with birth injury lawyers nationwide who have secured over $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth trauma.
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Top 5 facts on caput succedaneum
- Caput succedaneum is caused by prolonged pressure during delivery, often due to the use of delivery tools like forceps or vacuum extractors.
- Vacuum-assisted deliveries are a leading cause, with up to 40% of cases linked to vacuum extraction.
- While most cases resolve within 24–48 hours, complications like jaundice or infection may develop if not properly monitored.
- Babies with macrosomia (weighing over 8 lbs 13 oz) are at higher risk due to the added pressure during vaginal delivery.
- Caput succedaneum may be mistaken for other scalp conditions, making proper diagnosis critical to avoid delayed care.
Signs and symptoms of caput succedaneum
Caput succedaneum causes visible swelling on a newborn’s scalp, usually at the part of the head that first passed through the birth canal. The swelling is often seen on the back of the head or at the crown (the top of the head).
- Bruising or discoloration: The scalp may appear bruised or darker in color where the swelling has occurred.
- Crossing the midline: The swelling often extends across the midline of the baby’s skull, unlike cephalohematoma, which stays within one bone.
- Puffy, soft swelling: The area feels squishy or spongy to the touch and is not firm or sharply defined.
- Shallow fluid buildup: The swelling is just beneath the scalp and typically only 1–2 centimeters deep.
These symptoms are usually present at birth and tend to improve within a few days without treatment. If you're concerned about swelling on your baby’s head, contact your doctor to rule out complications or more serious injuries.
What causes caput succedaneum?
Caput succedaneum is caused by prolonged pressure on a baby’s scalp during labor, often from the vaginal walls or cervix as the head descends.
While it’s usually harmless and resolves on its own, poor decisions by doctors or misuse of delivery tools can increase the severity or risk of complications.
Medical negligence occurs when health care providers fail to follow accepted standards of care during labor and delivery. In some cases, this can contribute to preventable birth injuries, including severe or poorly managed caput succedaneum.
- Applying excessive traction during delivery, especially in cases of prolonged labor
- Delaying a needed cesarean section (C-section), resulting in too much pressure
- Failing to monitor labor progression, which can allow preventable swelling to worsen
- Ignoring risk factors, like macrosomia or abnormal fetal position
- Using vacuum extractors improperly, which can increase scalp pressure
Caput succedaneum alone is usually not dangerous, but when improperly managed, it may contribute to complications like jaundice or hide more serious head injuries.
If you believe medical errors played a role in your child’s condition, you may have legal options.
Get a free case review right now.
What to expect in babies with caput succedaneum
Caput succedaneum is usually harmless and doesn’t require treatment. The swelling should gradually go down within a few days as the baby’s body reabsorbs the fluid. In most cases, there are no long-term effects.
Parents may notice a soft, puffy area on the baby’s scalp, often with mild bruising or discoloration. The swelling may shift slightly as fluid moves under the skin.
Babies born with caput succedaneum should be monitored for potential complications. While the condition itself is temporary, it can sometimes lead to other issues.
Some infants develop newborn jaundice due to the breakdown of red blood cells in the bruised area. If untreated, severe jaundice may lead to kernicterus, a type of permanent brain damage.
Complications of caput succedaneum
Caput succedaneum is usually a mild condition that clears up within a few days. However, in some cases, it may lead to more serious medical issues, especially if not properly monitored or if additional trauma occurred during delivery.
- Infection: If the skin is broken or the area is not kept clean, bacteria can enter the swollen tissue, leading to localized or systemic infection.
- Jaundice: Bruising in the scalp can increase bilirubin levels, raising the risk of newborn jaundice.
- Skin or hair changes: Prolonged pressure may cause temporary hair loss or skin damage on the scalp.
Because caput succedaneum is often considered harmless, there’s a risk that other injuries may go undetected if the baby isn’t thoroughly evaluated.
In rare cases, what appears to be caput succedaneum may overlap with or mask a more serious injury, such as a skull fracture or subgaleal hemorrhage (brain bleeding). These conditions can be life-threatening if missed.
While most babies recover fully, proper monitoring is essential. If complications develop — or if poor medical care contributed to the injury — families may have legal options.
If your child was harmed by complications of caput succedaneum, our team is here to help.
Connect with one of our registered nurses to discuss your options. There’s never any cost to talk with us.
Diagnosing caput succedaneum in newborns
Caput succedaneum is usually diagnosed through a physical exam shortly after birth. Doctors or nurses can often identify it by gently feeling the baby’s scalp and observing the soft, swollen area.
- Bruising or discoloration of the scalp
- No clear borders between the swollen and normal areas
- Soft, squishy area on the scalp
- Swelling that crosses the midline of the skull
Imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans are rarely needed unless the doctor suspects a more serious injury, such as a skull fracture or deeper bleeding.
Caput succedaneum can resemble conditions like cephalohematoma or subgaleal hemorrhage, which involve bleeding. Careful evaluation helps rule out more serious problems. If there’s any doubt, more testing or monitoring may be needed.
Treatment options for caput succedaneum
Caput succedaneum usually doesn’t require medical treatment. The swelling typically resolves on its own within a few days. During this time, doctors will monitor the baby to make sure the swelling improves and no other issues develop.
Although the condition itself is harmless in most cases, it can sometimes lead to complications that may need follow-up care.
The most common is newborn jaundice, which happens when bruising in the scalp area increases bilirubin levels in the baby’s blood. Jaundice is usually treated with phototherapy (therapeutic lights) and regular feedings to help flush out excess bilirubin.
If jaundice isn’t treated, it can build up and lead to kernicterus, a rare but serious type of brain damage.
In rare cases, doctors may order additional tests to rule out more serious conditions or underlying trauma.
Ongoing observation by your baby’s care team is key. If the swelling worsens, spreads, or your baby shows signs of distress, further evaluation may be needed.
Legal options for caput succedaneum
Doctors and pediatric staff are responsible for ensuring the safe delivery of your baby. When they fail to take proper precautions, preventable birth injuries like caput succedaneum can happen.
In some cases, medical negligence can lead to serious complications that require lifelong care. If your child’s caput succedaneum resulted in severe health issues, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden.
Families affected by medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation to help cover medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and other costs.
Cerebral Palsy Guide partners with top lawyers and law firms who can help families in all 50 states. Together, they have recovered over $1 billion for families affected by preventable birth injuries.
Call us at (855) 220-1101 now or get a free case review to learn about your options.
