Chapter 200 Caput Succedaneum
INTRODUCTION
Description: Caput succedaneum is a characteristic change in the shape of the fetal head that results from the forces of labor acting on the fetal head and the surrounding tissues. This swelling is generally located on the portion of the fetal scalp that was directly under the cervical os.
Prevalence: Typical of most vaginal vertex births; similar swellings on the presenting part are formed with other birth presentations.
ETIOLOGY AND PATHOGENESIS
Causes: Pressure by the birth canal and surrounding tissues on the fetal head as it enters and traverses the lower vaginal canal.
CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Signs and Symptoms
• Symmetric swelling of the fetal scalp in a location compatible with that which was directly under the cervical os (upper posterior portion over the right parietal bone in left occiput transverse labors, over the corresponding portion of the left parietal bone in right occiput transverse labors)
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