Caput Succedaneum

The phrase “caput succedaneum” simply refers to a swelling of a baby’s scalp after birth. While some fetuses develop the problem in the womb, it is often caused by a difficult vaginal delivery where the baby’s head is pressed against the uterus or vaginal wall. In some cases, a vacuum extraction can cause this injury.

A caput makes a newborn’s head look puffy, and it can even cause the skull to seem misshapen. The buildup of blood underneath the skin may or may not be visible, depending on how much hair the baby has. A caput typically appears right after birth, and it can cross the midline of the skull. This means that it does not have to be localized to one plate of the skull.

Caput and Jaundice

While a caput succedaneum usually goes away on its own, it can cause the onset of jaundice. This is because the newborn may not be able to fully process the blood built up in the caput. Normally, the liver helps to process the old red blood cells into a substance called bilirubin. Bilirubin usually leaves the body in the stool.

However, if a baby’s liver cannot process the old blood efficiently enough, the yellow-colored bilirubin builds up in the body. This is why jaundice is apparent in yellowish skin and yellowing of the whites of the eyes. This problem usually goes away on its own, but if it remains, hospital staff may have to help your newborn get rid of the excess bilirubin.

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Sometimes, a vacuum-assisted delivery is necessary to help remove a baby from the womb. However, physicians should operate this tool with care to help prevent caput succedaneum in your precious newborn. If a doctor has mishandled a vacuum or other such delivery tool, your baby can be left with birth injuries. For more information on birth injuries and your legal options regarding them, contact the Philadelphia birth injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., by calling 215-238-1130 today.