Caput Succedaneum

A caput succedaneum is a type of birth injury that involves a swelling on the scalp of a newborn baby. This swelling can be caused by a number of factors, some which are normal and occur naturally, and others which are caused by negligence in the delivery room or failure to properly monitor babies post delivery. A caput succedaneum, or caput for short, isn’t typically considered a very serious birth injury. It’s fairly common, and in most cases, it resolves fairly well. That being said, it’s critical for doctors to properly diagnose and monitor any newborn baby with a caput, due to the potential for dangerous life-threating complications. If your child has suffered from complications of a caput, you need to contact a personal injury attorney with proven birth injury experience as soon as possible.

Lengthy and Difficult Delivery

One of the largest risk factors for a caput succedaneum is a lengthy and difficult or complicated delivery. With a complicated and long delivery, there is a lot that can go on inside of the womb. In some cases, doctors may use forceps, vacuums or other medical devices that can pose a risk to a newborn baby’s safety, if misused. If a mother’s water broke early, or if there were other in utero ruptured membranes, it’s possible that you could be facing a caput injury. With any lengthy and difficult delivery, whether there was a C-section involved or a vaginal delivery, it’s essential to find out of all medical protocols and procedures were necessary and safely executed by doctors and birthing teams. Listed below are some potential causes and risk factors for a caput succedaneum.

Potential Causes and Risks of Caput Succedaneum

Caput Succedaneum Birth Injury 

This birth injury, in most cases, can be fairly mild and when monitored and treated appropriately, resolves safely. A caput involves the swelling of a newborn baby’s scalp. The baby may present with a puffy appearance on the scalp. In some cases, there may be bruising or discoloration in the area of the injury. If you notice any swelling or puffiness of your newborn baby’s scalp or anywhere on the child’s head, it’s important to bring this to the attention of your doctor. While in many cases, a caput can resolve easily and safely, there are potential complications to be aware of, that left untreated and unmonitored could lead to lifelong injuries to the child. Listed below are the signs and symptoms associated with a caput succedaneum.

Symptoms of a Caput Succedaneum