When infant cephalohematoma occurs, blood cells accumulate in the space between the infant’s scalp and skull. You may even see swelling under the skin. This health condition affects one to two percent of all births. There is a higher risk of it occurring if the doctor uses a birth assisting tool, like forceps or an extraction vacuum during delivery. Normally, this condition will heal without major medical problems.
When infant cephalohematoma occurs, there is slight swelling at the top of the child’s head. Sometimes, the swelling will worsen before it improves. This condition can cause jaundice or discoloration of the skin. When this birth injury occurs, it is often due to trauma during the delivery process.
Normally, this condition happens during the delivery or labor process. There are cases where it indicates trauma has taken place, but other cases have no trauma present. The use of forceps has been linked to increased cases of this condition. First invented in 1569, forceps haven’t changed much. Doctors normally prefer to use the vacuum extraction tool because it can lower the child’s risk of getting injured.
Some risk factors can increase the danger that your child will be born with infant cephalohematoma. For example, prolonged labor, first pregnancies, and a larger infant’s head can increase the risk that the child will be injured.
Some cases of baby cephalohematoma result because the child is too large. A larger fetus will experience huge amounts of pressure and compression during delivery, leading to an increased risk. Even when the fetus is only moderately sized, if the mother has a small pelvis, this can also put the child at risk.
Baby cephalohematoma happens on an internal level, so you can’t spot it as easily as a laceration, for example. Even so, the child may not react with classic behavioral issues that might indicate the problem and make it easier for you to spot. There are a few things you can look for that include:
To begin treating your child, you should have them examined by a doctor as soon as possible. Normally, tests will include an MRI and CT scan. This will reveal if there are any existing dangers to your child. Your doctor might prescribe medication, therapy, or surgery to return your baby to normal. Under most circumstances, your child will heal from this condition within three months. This isn’t normally as serious as other birth disorders, like cerebral palsy. However, if your child was born with any birth injury, you may be eligible for financial support. Sometimes the doctor will try to drain the blood. But, they often prefer not to do this because it can lead to an abscess or infection.