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| Definition: | Caput succedaneum is a diffuse swelling of the scalp in a newborn caused by pressure from the uterus or vaginal wall during a head-first (vertex) delivery.
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| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: | A caput succedaneum is caused by the mechanical trauma of the initial portion of scalp pushing through a narrowed cervix. The swelling may be on any portion of the scalp, may cross the midline (as opposed to a cephalhematoma), and may be discolored because of slight bleeding in the area. There may also be molding of the head, which is common in association with a caput succedaneum.
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Review Date: 7/11/2002
Reviewed By: Chayim Newmark, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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