Cephalohaematoma

Subject: Midwifery III (Theory)

Overview

It is a pool of blood under the periosteum between the pericranium and the flat bone of the skull, usually unilateral and over a parietal bone. Friction between the fetal skull and the maternal pelvis, Cephalo-pelvic disproportion, Precipitate labor, Tearing of the periosteum, and Prolonged pressure on the head are all causes of Cephalohaematoma. transverse suture line, but may appear bilaterally Soft, fluctuant, and incompressible clinical aspects include the fact that it does not cross the suture line but may occur bilaterally. There is no need for active treatment. Infection prevention and trauma avoidance are critical. Within 6-8 weeks following an infant's birth, the blood is absorbed and the swelling diminishes.

It is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum, between the pericranium and the flat bone of the skull, that is usually unilateral and spreads over a parietal bone.

Causes

  • The collision of a fetal cranium with the maternal pelvis.
  • Cephalo-pelvic disproportion
  • Precipitate labor, such as road delivery.
  • The periosteum is torn.
  • Pressure on the head for an extended period of time.

Pathophysiology

If there is friction between the fetal skull and the bones of the maternal pelvis during vaginal birth, such as in CPD, the periosteum is torn off the bone, producing bleeding beneath. A cephalohematoma is restricted to one bone because the skull bones are not united in the newborn and the periosteum is adhering to the borders of the skull bones. However, more than one bone may be damaged, resulting in several cephalohaematomata. A bilateral double cephalohaematoma is common.

Clinical features

  • It is constrained, soft, fluctuating, and incompressible.
  • It does not cross the suture line, however, it may appear bilaterally.
  • There could be an underlying skull fracture.
  • Swelling can last for weeks, usually 6-8 weeks.

Management

  • There is no need for any kind of active treatment. It is critical to avoid trauma and prevent infection.
  • Within 6-8 weeks of an infant's life, the blood is absorbed and the swelling diminishes.
  • Recommend to mother to avoid using hot compresses with oil.
Things to remember
  • It is a collection of blood beneath the periosteum, between the pericranium and the flat bone of the skull, that is usually unilateral and spreads over a parietal bone.
  • Friction between the fetal skull and the maternal pelvis, Cephalo-pelvic disproportion, Precipitate labor, Tearing of the periosteum, and Prolonged pressure on the head are all causes of cephalohaematoma. cross the suture line, however it can also appear bilaterally.
  • Clinical characteristics include softness, fluctuation, and incompressibility; it does not cross the suture line but may appear bilaterally.
  • There is no need for any kind of active treatment. It is critical to avoid trauma and prevent infection.
  • Within 6-8 weeks of an infant's life, the blood is absorbed and the swelling diminishes.
Questions and Answers

It is a collection of blood that typically occurs unilaterally and over a parietal bone under the periosteum between the pericranium and the flat bone of the skull.

  • The mother's pelvis and the unborn skull are in conflict.
  • Cephalo-pelvic misalignment
  • Rainfall labor, such as a road delivery
  • Peristetal periosteum tearing
  • Persistent head pressure.
  1. It is constrained, supple, erratic, and incompressible.
  2. Although it does not cross the suture line, it might appear on both sides.
  3. The skull may have an underlying fracture.
  4. Usually 6 to 8 weeks, the edema may last for weeks.

© 2021 Saralmind. All Rights Reserved.