Questions?What Is a Newborn Cephalohematoma?
A newborn cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under a baby’s scalp that forms after blood vessels rupture during childbirth. It usually appears as a soft, raised bump on the back or top of a baby’s head.
Cephalohematomas are typically harmless and tend to resolve on their own within several weeks. However, some can lead to serious complications, especially if the birth injury was caused by excessive pressure, delays in treatment, vacuum extraction, or forceps delivery.
Watch our short video to learn more about newborn cephalohematoma.
Learn about newborn cephalohematoma, the buildup of ruptured blood vessels on the scalp, and what to do if your baby was harmed during childbirth. View Transcript.
Duration: 1 min 06 sec
A newborn cephalohematoma is a birth injury caused by trauma to an infant’s head during childbirth.
Also known as an infant hematoma or newborn hematoma, it results from trauma to the baby’s head during delivery.
While many cases of infant cephalohematoma get better on their own, some babies require medical attention.
In certain situations, doctors may need to perform surgery to address skull deformities or other potential complications.
If you believe your baby’s birth injury was caused by medical malpractice, it’s essential to take action.
You have the right to seek justice and compensation for your child’s pain and suffering. Get a free consultation today to determine if medical malpractice played a role in your child’s birth injury.
The experienced birth injury attorneys in our network can review your case and guide you through the legal process.
Your child’s well-being is our priority. Let the Birth Injury Justice Center help you fight for their rights
Sometimes, a cephalohematoma may be the first sign that something went wrong during delivery, like a skull fracture, brain bleed, or oxygen loss.
If you have questions about your baby’s bump or think it could point to a more serious injury, we’re standing by. Our newborn cephalohematoma lawyers may be able to help you get the answers you deserve. There’s no cost to speak with us.
Our birth injury lawyers have recovered over $1 billion for families nationwide. Get your free case review right now to see if we can help your family.
Cephalohematoma Complications
Some newborn cephalohematomas lead to serious medical problems that can affect a child for life. In many cases, the harm could have been lessened or prevented with proper delivery techniques, timely care, or better monitoring after birth.
Learn about some of the more dangerous cephalohematoma complications below.
Infection Leading to Sepsis or Meningitis
The pooled blood inside a newborn cephalohematoma can become infected. If that infection spreads, it can cause sepsis or meningitis, both of which can be fatal.
Hospitals must monitor for infection and act fast. Delays in treatment or ignoring early signs can be life-threatening and may be considered medical malpractice.
Kernicterus From Severe Jaundice
A newborn cephalohematoma can cause jaundice, yellowing of the skin and eyes. This happens when too much bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood. If not treated right away, jaundice can lead to kernicterus, a rare but devastating condition that causes permanent brain damage.
Kernicterus is often preventable with early monitoring and light therapy. When missed, it may point to negligence in postnatal care.
Skull Fractures and Brain Bleeds
Roughly 1 in 4 babies with a cephalohematoma also have a skull fracture, which may go unnoticed at first. In severe cases, the trauma may extend deeper, causing bleeding inside the brain or increased pressure.
“Most bumps like cephalohematomas are harmless and go away. But bleeding inside the brain, called an intracranial hemorrhage, is much more serious. That’s when we start seeing things like seizures or long-term damage.”
– Andi Lowe, Doctor of Nursing Practice
On-Staff Nurse, Labor & Delivery and NICU Specialist
These injuries may lead to motor delays or cerebral palsy, especially if doctors failed to order proper imaging or missed signs of distress during delivery.
Call (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat now about your baby’s cephalohematoma complications and what steps you can take.
What Causes a Newborn Cephalohematoma?
The most common newborn cephalohematoma causes include pressure during delivery, the use of vacuum extractors or forceps, and a baby’s size or position in the birth canal.
In some cases, the injury may be linked to preventable medical mistakes. Learn more about the top cephalohematoma causes below.
Assisted-Delivery Devices
Doctors may use tools like vacuum extractors or forceps to guide a baby through the birth canal during a difficult delivery. These instruments can apply pressure to the baby’s head and increase the risk of a cephalohematoma.
Infant Size
Larger babies, especially those over 8 pounds, 13 ounces, face a higher risk of newborn cephalohematoma. Their size can make vaginal delivery more difficult, increasing pressure on the scalp. That pressure may cause blood vessels to rupture, especially during a long labor.
Medical Negligence
Some cephalohematomas happen because doctors or nurses fail to follow proper standards of care. This may be considered medical malpractice if the injury could have been avoided and caused harm to your baby.
Negligence that may cause infant cephalohematoma may include:
- Delaying a necessary C-section when the baby showed signs of distress
- Failing to monitor fetal heart rate or respond to warning signs in time
- Mismanaging a prolonged or difficult labor
- Overlooking risk factors that made the delivery more dangerous
- Using excessive force with vacuum extractors or forceps
If you believe your child’s injury was caused by poor medical care, you may be able to take legal action. Get a free case review right now to learn about your options.
Cephalohematoma Symptoms
Symptoms of newborn cephalohematoma usually include a soft, raised bump on the top or back of a baby’s head. This may be visible right after birth or take a few days to appear.
Sometimes there’s a delay between the injury and when symptoms show up. Most cephalohematomas are mild, but some can lead to complications.
These symptoms could point to a more serious issue:
- Feeding difficulties
- High-pitched crying
- Increased head size
- Seizures
- Tiredness or unusual sleepiness
- Vomiting
If your baby shows any of these signs after a difficult delivery, talk to your doctor. Early treatment may help prevent long-term harm.
Diagnosing Cephalohematoma in Newborns
Doctors usually diagnose a newborn cephalohematoma by examining the baby’s head. The most common sign is a soft, raised bump on the top or back of the head.
If the swelling is unusually large, doesn’t improve, or a baby shows signs of distress, imaging tests like an ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out more serious problems.
In some cases, doctors may need to rule out other types of head swelling before confirming a cephalohematoma. Knowing the differences helps ensure an accurate diagnosis and proper care for your baby.
Cephalohematoma vs. Caput Succedaneum
One of the most common sources of confusion during diagnosis is telling the difference between cephalohematoma and caput succedaneum.
Both conditions are linked with head swelling, but they have different causes, timelines, and risks. The chart below highlights the key differences.
| Feature | Caput Succedaneum | Cephalohematoma |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Pressure during delivery | Trauma that ruptures blood vessels |
| Swelling Type | Fluid buildup under the scalp | Blood buildup under the scalp |
| When It Appears | Visible at birth | May take hours or a day to appear |
| Location | Can cross suture lines | Stays within one bone; does not cross sutures |
| Feel/Shape | Soft and spreads across scalp | Firm, well-defined bump |
| Healing Time | Resolves in a few days | May take weeks or months to go away |
| Risk of Skull Fracture | Not associated with fractures | May occur with a skull fracture |
If you’re unsure what the bump on your baby’s head means or whether it could lead to long-term harm, our on-staff registered nurses are here to help.
Connect with one of our nurses right now — free of charge.
Beth has more than 18 years of specialized experience in labor and delivery. She’s available to hear your story and help you figure out the cause of your child’s injury — and what you can do next.
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Infant Cephalohematoma Treatment
Most newborn cephalohematomas heal without treatment. Doctors typically recommend watchful waiting while monitoring for signs of complications. The bump on a baby’s head often shrinks over time and disappears within a few weeks to months.
However, treatment may be needed if the hematoma is unusually large, slow to heal, or causing other medical issues.
- Antibiotics, if signs of infection develop at the site
- Blood transfusions, if the baby develops anemia from blood loss
- Phototherapy, to treat jaundice caused by blood breakdown
- Surgical removal, in rare cases, a bump can harden and affect the skull’s shape
Cephalohematoma healing time varies from baby to baby. Your child’s doctor should carefully track the injury and respond quickly to any warning signs.
If your baby’s condition got worse or wasn’t diagnosed in time, it could point to medical negligence. You may be able to file a cephalohematoma birth injury claim. Knowing the long-term outlook can help you plan next steps and get support.
Long-Term Outlook of Cephalohematoma in Newborns
Most newborn cephalohematomas heal on their own within a few months and don’t cause lasting problems. The center of the bump typically fades first, while the edges may harden if calcium builds up.
Serious complications are rare, but they can happen if the injury isn’t diagnosed or treated in time. Prompt care is key to avoiding long-term effects.
A successful claim can help your family get justice and hold negligent providers accountable. For many parents, legal action is the only way to secure answers and give their child the best possible chance at a full and healthy life.
Get Legal Help for Newborn Cephalohematoma
If your child’s condition was caused by medical negligence, your family may be entitled to financial compensation through a cephalohematoma settlement.
While no amount of money can undo the harm, a successful cephalohematoma lawsuit may help cover your child’s medical care, therapy, and long-term needs. It also sends a message that careless mistakes during childbirth have consequences.
Our birth injury lawyers can help families in all 50 states. We’ve helped families secure more than $1 billion for preventable birth injuries, and we may be able to help your family, too.
Contact us now at (800) 914-1562 or fill out our case review form to see if we can help you provide a more secure future for your child.
Newborn Cephalohematoma FAQs
What is a newborn cephalohematoma?
A newborn cephalohematoma is a collection of blood under a baby’s scalp caused by pressure or trauma during delivery. It usually shows up as a soft bump on the infant’s head and often heals on its own.
What causes cephalohematoma in newborns?
Cephalohematomas are typically caused by birth trauma, including prolonged labor, difficult deliveries, or the use of forceps or vacuum extractors. In some cases, medical negligence may be involved. Find out if your child’s injury could have been prevented with a free legal case review.
Can trauma cause cephalohematoma?
Yes. Trauma during childbirth, especially pressure on the baby’s head, is the main cause of a cephalohematoma. This often happens with assisted deliveries or improper handling.
If you had a traumatic birth and are now worried about your baby’s long-term health, call us at (800) 914-1562 or Click to Live Chat right now to get the answers you deserve.
Is cephalohematoma dangerous?
Most cases are mild, but serious complications can happen. If not diagnosed or treated properly, a cephalohematoma may lead to anemia, jaundice, or even brain damage in rare cases.
Is cephalohematoma normal in newborns?
Cephalohematoma in a newborn baby is not rare, but they aren’t always harmless. Even if they look mild, they may signal deeper problems or medical errors during delivery. A doctor should evaluate the bump right away.
How long does a cephalohematoma last in a newborn?
A cephalohematoma may take a few weeks to a few months to go away. If it lasts longer or starts to harden, your baby may need follow-up care or additional treatment.
How is cephalohematoma treated in infants?
Most cephalohematomas don’t need treatment and go away with time. However, babies with complications may need phototherapy, iron supplements, or in rare cases, surgery. Always follow your doctor’s advice.
Will rubbing a hematoma on a baby's head help it to go away?
No, you should never rub or press on a baby’s hematoma. Touching the area can increase the risk of infection or cause more damage. If you’re concerned, talk to your pediatrician.
Can a cephalohematoma cause brain damage?
Yes, although rare. A cephalohematoma itself is outside the skull, but related complications like jaundice or undiagnosed skull fractures may cause lasting harm. If you believe your baby’s injury was preventable, a birth injury lawsuit may be an option.
