Caput succedaneum is scalp tissue swelling caused by what mechanism?

• A. Pressure against the cervix during birth
• B. Excess molding of the head
• C. Edema of the scalp due to infection
• D. Fracture of the skull bones

Answer: (A)

Caput succedaneum occurs when the presenting part of the head is pressed against the birth canal during labor. That pressure causes dilation of scalp capillaries and leakage of fluid into the subcutaneous tissue, producing diffuse, soft scalp swelling. It crosses the scalp sutures and usually appears at birth, resolving within a day or two without treatment. This differs from a cephalohematoma, which is a localized bleed between a skull bone and its periosteum and does not cross sutures. Molding is a temporary change in the skull’s shape from the head passing through the birth canal, not edema, and infection or skull fracture would present with additional signs and different patterns of swelling or symptoms.