Caput Succedaneum

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

It is edema and swelling of the soft tissue of the fetal skull over the area encompassed by the cervix. The venous blood supply is slowed due to pressure, the area laying over the bones becomes congested and edematous, and a serosanguinous (serum and blood) are collected into the scalp and dissipate 36 hours after birth. If a vacuum extractor cup is employed, a false caput succedaneum can occur. The ensuing edematous malformation is known as Chignons due to its unusual shape. Caput succedaneum can be caused by prolonged pressure on the head as a result of labor. Handling caput succedaneum gently and applying dressing to abrasion, abraded chignon normally heals quickly if the region is kept clean and dry.

It is edema and swelling of the fetal skull's soft tissue over the area encompassed by the cervix. The venous blood supply is slowed due to pressure, the area laying over the bones becomes congested and edematous, and a serosanguinous (serum and blood) are gathered in the scalp and dissipate 36 hours after birth.

If a vacuum extractor cup is employed, a false caput succedaneum can also occur. The ensuing edematous malformation is known as Chignons because of its unusual shape.

Causes

  • Prolonged strain on the head as a result of hard labor.

Clinical features

  • It is present at birth and does not grow in size.
  • Can pit under pressure, cross a skull bone, suture line, and be unilateral if a double is present.
  • It usually vanishes after 24-36 hours and shrinks in size.
  • Because the baby will be in pain, it is important to be kind when caring for and handling him.

Management

  • Mother is really concerned, therefore we must explain what it is and its reasons in simple terms.
  • Baby should be handled gently and abrasions should be treated.
  • If the area is kept clean, dry, inflamed, and abraded chignon normally heals quickly.
  • Remind your mother not to apply pressure to her caput.
  • Inform the mother that caput does not require treatment and will disappear within 36 hours of birth.
Things to remember
  • It is edema and swelling of the fetal skull's soft tissue over the area encompassed by the cervix.
  • The venous blood supply is slowed due to pressure, the area laying over the bones becomes congested and edematous, and a serosanguinous (serum and blood) are gathered in the scalp and dissipate 36 hours after birth.
  • If a vacuum extractor cup is employed, a false caput succedaneum can also occur.
  • The ensuing edematous malformation is known as Chignons because to its unusual shape.
  • Prolonged pressure on the head as a result of prolonged labor might result in caput succedaneum.
  • Handle caput succedaneum carefully and apply the dressing to the abrasion, abraded chignon normally heals quickly if the region is kept clean, dry, and irritated, and advise the mother not to exert pressure over caput.
Questions and Answers

It is edema and swelling of the fetal skull's soft tissue over the region where the cervix surrounds it. The area lying over the bones becomes swollen and congested due to pressure, and a serosanguinous (serum and blood) are collected into the scalp and disappear 36 hours after birth.

  • It is there at birth and doesn't usually get bigger.
  • Can pit under pressure, can cross the suture line, and if a double is unilateral, can cross the skull bone.
  • Likely to shrink in size and disappear within 24 to 36 hours.
  • When holding and caring for the baby, care is required because they will feel some discomfort.
  • We must use straightforward language to define and discuss the causes of mother's extreme anxiety.
  • Baby should be handled gently, and any cuts or scrapes should be dressed.
  • If the area is kept clean, dry, and inflamed, an abraded chignon typically heals quickly.
  • Tell the mother to avoid putting pressure on her head.
  • Tell the mother that the caput will go away in 36 hours without therapy.

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