Newborn Cephalohematoma

What Is Cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma is a collection of blood that forms between a newborn’s scalp and skull. “Hematoma” is a medical term used to describe blood that pools outside blood vessels, and “cephalo” refers to the head.

“Cephalohematomas occur in about 2.5% of prolonged, difficult vaginal deliveries. An assisted delivery that requires vacuum extraction or forceps raises the risk to about 1 baby in 10 delivered this way.”

– Cleveland Clinic

Newborn cephalohematoma results in a bruise-like bump that appears shortly after birth, usually at the back of the head. While this birth injury typically goes away on its own, severe cases of cephalohematoma in newborns can cause life-long disabilities and even death.

LawFirm.com works with a network of birth injury lawyers who have secured over $962 million in compensation for newborn cephalohematoma and other birth injuries.

Get a free case review now to see if one of our trusted legal partners can fight hard for everything you deserve.

Caput Succedaneum vs Cephalohematoma

Newborn cephalohematoma and caput succedaneum (also called newborn conehead or caput) can occur alone or together.

While cephalohematoma in newborns involves ruptured blood vessels under the scalp, caput succedaneum is a swelling on the top of the scalp. Find out the main differences in the chart below.

Both conditions typically get better without treatment, but medical intervention may be needed when the birth injury is more severe.

Types of Cephalohematoma in Newborns

There are two main types of newborn cephalohematoma based on how soon the symptoms appear after birth.

The two classifications of cephalohematoma in newborns are:

1. Acute infant cephalohematoma: Develops quickly, with symptoms appearing immediately or within hours of birth
2. Chronic infant cephalohematoma: Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks after childbirth

Both acute and chronic newborn cephalohematoma can lead to health complications, including brain damage or death if left untreated. Early diagnosis and proper medical care are important to avoid long-term harm.

Causes of Cephalohematoma in Newborn Babies

Newborn cephalohematoma is caused by trauma to an infant’s head during childbirth that ruptures blood vessels located under the scalp.

Cephalohematoma in newborns is more likely to occur when these factors are present:

• Baby’s position: When the baby is delivered breech (feet- or buttocks-first) or in the posterior (face-up) position
• Epidural: May reduce the mother’s ability to push the baby out of the birth canal effectively
• Large baby: A baby who’s larger than 8 pounds, 13 ounces (fetal macrosomia) may push against the mother’s pelvis more
• Multiple births: Having twins, triplets, or more
• Premature birth: The baby’s skull is more fragile than newborns delivered at term
• Prolonged labor: A second stage of labor that’s longer than what’s considered typical
• Use of assistive devices: Vacuum extractors and forceps can grip the baby’s head and cause enough force to rupture small blood vessels

“It has been reported that the risk of cephalohematoma development increases by up to 10.8% with assisted vaginal delivery.”

– Study published in Cureus

Labor and delivery teams should recognize newborn cephalohematoma risk factors in advance and take precautions to protect the mother and child from harm. When they fail to do so, their actions may be considered medical malpractice.

Complications of Cephalohematoma Due to Birth Injury

Most cases of newborn cephalohematoma heal naturally, but when the injury is more serious, complications can cause long-term harm to vulnerable newborns.

Potential complications of cephalohematoma in newborns include:

• Anemia: A cephalohematoma removes blood from the circulatory system, which can lead to anemia (low red blood cell count), especially when the pooling of blood is larger. Some babies may need a blood transfusion.
• Calcified cephalohematoma: When the cephalohematoma lasts over 5 weeks, it can calcify (form hardened bone deposits) around the birth injury. This may result in skull deformities requiring corrective surgery.
• Infection: Different types of infections may occur, including cellulitis (skin infection), osteomyelitis (bone infection), and sepsis (blood infection). Sepsis and osteomyelitis can be life-threatening conditions.
• Jaundice: As the baby’s body absorbs the pooled blood, elevated levels of a yellowish pigment called bilirubin can cause jaundice. When untreated, jaundice can lead to more serious health conditions like kernicterus, which can result in brain damage or death.
• Skull fractures: Up to 25% of babies with cephalohematomas have a hairline skull fracture, which will typically heal on its own without treatment.

If you suspect your baby is experiencing any of these complications, seek immediate medical attention to get them the help they need.

Next, consider reaching out to a birth injury law firm that can fight for compensation to help pay for your child’s medical bills, care costs, and more.

Cephalohematoma Birth Injury Symptoms

Symptoms of cephalohematoma in newborns may appear immediately after the injury or a few days or weeks later. The most common sign is a soft bulge on the baby’s head, typically at the back, that may look like a bruise.

Other signs and symptoms of cephalohematoma in newborns include:

• Feeding problems
• High-pitched crying
• Increased head circumference
• Seizures
• Sleepiness
• Swelling
• Vomiting

If you notice any of these signs, see a pediatrician quickly as they can signal newborn cephalohematoma or another birth injury.

“You should contact your child’s healthcare provider if your baby is extremely fussy, shows signs of jaundice or refuses to eat or sleep.”

– Cleveland Clinic

Diagnosing Cephalohematoma of Newborn Babies

If your child is showing signs of newborn cephalohematoma, a doctor will monitor the size of your child’s head to ensure it’s not growing too rapidly.

The doctor may also check your child’s hematocrit level, which measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood, to determine if it’s lower than what it should be.

Other tests used to diagnose newborn cephalohematoma include:

• Computed tomography (CT)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• X-rays

These imaging tests will help the doctor identify the source of the bleeding, assess the size of the cephalohematoma, and develop an individualized treatment plan.

When a medical error causes cephalohematoma, compensation from a malpractice claim can help your family cover treatment costs. Get started with a free case review.

Cephalohematoma Newborn Treatment

While most cases of newborn cephalohematoma heal on their own, treatment may be required if the birth injury is more serious and results in complications.

Treatments for cephalohematoma complications include:

• Anemia: Antibiotics or blood transfusion
• Calcification: Surgery
• Infection: Antibiotics
• Jaundice: Light therapy (phototherapy)
• Skull fracture: Monitoring to ensure proper healing

With appropriate treatment, a cephalohematoma usually does not cause significant long-term issues for most newborns. Ask your doctor about instructions for the management of cephalohematoma in your child.

Get Help From a Newborn Cephalohematoma Lawyer

If your child has suffered a cephalohematoma due to medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.

Birth injuries like newborn cephalohematoma can lead to medical bills, ongoing care costs, and emotional distress for your family. Taking legal action can help cover these expenses and hold those responsible accountable.

LawFirm.com works with birth injury lawyers who have recovered over $962 million for families affected by newborn cephalohematoma and other injuries at birth.

Our trusted legal partners:

• Can help families in all 50 states
• Don’t charge any upfront or hourly fees
• Fight for birth injury settlements, which provide quicker access to compensation

Call (888) 726-9160 right now or get a free case review to see if we may be able to help you get the financial support and justice your family deserves.