Cephalohematoma: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma is a condition where blood collects between a baby’s skull and the periosteum, which is the membrane covering the skull. It typically occurs due to pressure on the baby’s head during childbirth. Symptoms of cephalohematoma may include:

1. Swelling: A bulge or lump on the baby’s head, often appearing a few hours after birth.
2. Firmness: The lump feels firm to the touch.
3. Discoloration: The lump may appear bruised, often with a bluish or red tint.
4. No crossing of suture lines: Cephalohematomas do not cross suture lines on the baby’s skull, as they are confined by these lines.
5. Possible anemia: In rare cases, large cephalohematomas can lead to anemia if a significant amount of blood is lost into the hematoma.

Cephalohematomas are usually harmless and resolve on their own over a few weeks to months as the baby’s body reabsorbs the blood. However, it’s important to monitor the condition and follow up with a healthcare provider to ensure proper healing and rule out any complications.

What are the causes of cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma is primarily caused by trauma to the baby’s head during childbirth. The main contributing factors include:

1. Pressure during delivery: The most common cause is pressure exerted on the baby’s head as it passes through the birth canal. This pressure can damage blood vessels between the skull and the periosteum, leading to bleeding and the formation of a hematoma.
2. Use of forceps or vacuum extraction: Assisted delivery techniques, such as the use of forceps or vacuum extraction, can increase the risk of cephalohematoma due to the additional pressure applied to the baby’s head.
3. Size or position of the baby: Factors such as a large baby, a small pelvis in the mother, or an awkward fetal position can increase the likelihood of cephalohematoma by making the delivery more difficult and increasing the pressure on the baby’s head.
4. Prolonged labor: Labor that lasts for an extended period can increase the risk of cephalohematoma due to the prolonged pressure on the baby’s head.
5. Primiparous mothers: First-time mothers may be at a slightly higher risk of cephalohematoma due to the inexperience of the birth process.

It’s important to note that cephalohematoma is not preventable in most cases, as it is a result of the birthing process. However, healthcare providers can take steps to minimize the risk, such as using proper delivery techniques and closely monitoring the baby’s position during labor.

What is the treatment for cephalohematoma?

Cephalohematoma usually does not require specific treatment, as it tends to resolve on its own over time. The blood from the hematoma is gradually absorbed by the body. However, monitoring by a healthcare provider is important to ensure proper healing and to detect any complications. Treatment options may include:

1. Observation: The healthcare provider will monitor the cephalohematoma to ensure it is resolving properly and to watch for any signs of infection or other complications.
2. Pain management: If the baby is experiencing discomfort due to the cephalohematoma, pain management techniques may be used, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) in appropriate doses.
3. Prevention of anemia: In rare cases, large cephalohematomas can lead to anemia if a significant amount of blood is lost into the hematoma. Monitoring the baby’s hemoglobin levels may be necessary, and in severe cases, a blood transfusion may be required.
4. Surgical drainage: In very rare cases, if the cephalohematoma is very large or is causing significant issues, surgical drainage may be considered. This is typically only done in extreme cases and is not common.

It’s important for parents to follow any recommendations from their healthcare provider and to attend follow-up appointments to ensure the cephalohematoma is healing properly.