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A caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a prolonged or difficult delivery. This is especially true after the membranes have ruptured, because the amniotic sac is no longer providing a protective cushion for the baby's head. Vacuum extraction can also increase the chances of a caput succedaneum. A caput succedaneum is sometimes identified by prenatal ultrasound even before labor or delivery begins. It has been found as early as 31 weeks of pregnancy. More often than not, this is associated with either premature rupture of the membranes or too little amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios). All other things being equal, the longer the membranes are intact, the less likely it is that a caput will form.
Back to TopSymptoms
Soft, puffy swelling of part of the scalp in a newborn infant Swelling may or may not have some degree of discoloration or bruising Swelling may extend over the midline of the scalp Most often seen on the portion of the head which presented first May be associated with increased molding of the bones of the head
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No treatment is necessary, and it usually heals spontaneously within a few days.
Jaundice
Back to TopReferences
Mangurten HH. Birth Injuries. In: Fanaroff AA, Martin RJ, eds. Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant . 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2010.