Caput Succedaneum

Caput succedaneum is a common swelling that occurs on a newborn's scalp shortly after birth. It results from fluid buildup beneath the scalp's skin due to pressure during delivery, often from the vacuum extractor or prolonged labor. This swelling appears as a soft, puffy area on the head and can cross suture lines (the seams between skull bones). It usually resolves on its own within a few days without treatment. While it may cause concerns about appearance, caput succedaneum is benign and harmless, reflecting the physical stresses of birth rather than an underlying injury.