Caput Succedaneum vs Cephalohematoma

Caput Succedaneum

• Edema (fluid accumulation) of the scalp soft tissues above the periosteum.
• Cause:
  • Caused by pressure from the cervix on the presenting part of the fetal scalp during vaginal delivery.
  • Especially common after prolonged or difficult labor, or premature rupture of membranes.
• Key Features:
  • Soft, boggy swelling on the scalp
  • Pitting edema
  • Present at birth
  • Crosses suture lines (because it's superficial to skull bones)
  • Usually not tender
• Location: Subcutaneous tissue layer (above periosteum)
• Resolution:
  • Spontaneous resolution within a few days
• Complications:
  • Usually none. benign

Cephalohematoma

• Collection of blood beneath the periosteum of a cranial bone due to rupture of blood vessels.
• Cause:
  • Caused by birth trauma (especially from vacuum extraction or forceps-assisted delivery).
  • Blood vessels between the skull and periosteum rupture.
• Key Features:
  • Firm, non-pitting, well-defined swelling
  • Appears hours to days after birth (not immediate)
  • Does NOT cross suture lines (because blood is trapped under periosteum of one bone)
  • Often located over parietal bone
• Location: Subperiosteal space (between skull bone and periosteum)
• Resolution:
  • Resolves spontaneously in weeks to months
• Complications:
  • Risk of hyperbilirubinemia (from breakdown of trapped red blood cells)
  • Rarely may calcify or become infected