Infant cephalohematoma is a birth injury that results in the collection of blood between the skull and the periosteum (the membrane covering the skull). Although this condition has similar causes to caput succedaneum, it involves swelling between the layers of the skull rather than underneath it. Infant cephalohematoma occurs in .4-2.5% of all live births and usually resolves on its own.
What Causes Infant Cephalohematoma?
Infant cephalohematoma is a minor birth injury that occurs most commonly during delivery. Any sort of trauma to an infant’s head can result in cephalohematoma; however, it is usually associated with the use of birth-assisting devices such as forceps or a vacuum extractor. When a delivery has become difficult or is taking a long time, physicians use these tools to advance the birthing process but apply more pressure to the baby’s head and skull in the process.
Deliver using forceps or a vacuum can cause the blood vessels in the infants head to rupture.
The longer it takes to deliver a baby, the higher the chance that the baby has of developing a cephalohematoma. This is because the baby’s head is being constantly compressed in the birth canal, and when this stress is combined with force by a physician or their tools, it can rupture the blood vessels beneath the skin.
Infant cephalohematoma can also occur when an infant is larger than normal. Large fetuses undergo greater amounts of stress and compression during delivery, increasing their risk of complications. Other factors that contribute to infant cephalohematoma include the size of the mother’s birth canal and pelvis, weak uterine contractions, bleeding disorders, and multiple gestations.
The relationship between an infant’s head size and a mother’s pelvis size is called cephalopelvic disproportion. The more disproportionate it is, the more likely blood vessels are to rupture and cause a cephalohematoma.
What are the Symptoms of Infant Cephalohematoma?
The symptoms of infant cephalohematoma are difficult to identify because they are experienced internally. The most obvious symptom will be a soft bulge on the back of a newborn’s skull. This usually forms 24 to 48 hours after delivery, not immediately. Other symptoms that indicate the possibility of infant cephalohematoma are:
- Anemia
- Infection
- Jaundice.
If you notice any of these symptoms after your baby’s delivery, consult your physician immediately.
Contact Us
At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., we understand the emotional and financial stress families face when dealing with these kinds of injuries. Our birth injury attorneys are dedicated to helping you recover what you are entitled to. If you or a loved one has an infant who’s been seriously injured due to the negligent conduct of a physician, contact us today. Call (713) 932-0777 to schedule a free consultation.
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