In kids health a cephalohematoma is the accumulation of blood under the baby's scalp which is specifically in the sub periosteal space.
During the birthing of the baby shearing forces on the baby's skull and scalp result in separation of the periosteum from the underlying calvarium that results in the subsequent rupture of blood vessels.
The long term effects of cephalohematoma is calcification which form hardened bone deposits around the mass which can affect the skull formation and babies will need corrective surgery to correct and remove the calcification.
The risk factors for cephalohematoma are.
Prolonged, difficult vaginal delivery.
Having multiple babies at the same time such as triplets or twins.
Larger than average baby that weighs more than 8 lbs 13 ounces.
Having an epidural pain relief during childbirth.
Assisted delivery using forceps or vacuum extraction.
You can sue for cephalohematoma if it was caused by medical negligence.
You can sue your OB for cephalohematoma to your baby's head if it was caused by negligence of the OB.
If the cephalohematoma was caused by negligence of a doctor, attending doctor, OB or medical staff then you usually have grounds to sue and file a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover damages.
Cephalohematoma is limited by the individual bones in contrast to a caput succedaneum.
Another name for cephalohematoma is newborn scalp haematomata.
You can massage cephalohematomas which can help them go away and also apply a warm compress which also helps the cephalohematoma dissolve.
Cephalohematoma is not good but it's also not bad as they are rarely dangerous or anything to worry about and most cephalohematomas resolve on their own without any other health effects.
You should worry about cephalohematoma when it does not go away or you suspect it is becoming infected.
Most cephalohematoms are nothing to worry about and resolve on their own within a few weeks to a few months.
If the cephalohematoma does not go away it can calcify over time causing a permanent calvarial deformity which is only able to be corrected through surgery.
The best treatment for cephalohematoma is to leave it alone and allow the body enough time to reabsorb the collect fluid on it's own.
Draining the cephalohematoma with a needle can also be done but it increases the risk of infection and formation of abscess.
The cephalohematoma goes away eventually as the blood buildup drains out naturally within a few weeks to a few months.
The length of time it takes for a cephalohematoma to resolve is a few weeks to a few months.
The cephalohematoma is generally harmless and goes away even without treatment.
The symptoms of cephalohematoma are vomiting, soft spots on head (bulging fontanel) seizures, large head, high pitched crying, head swelling, fatigue and difficulty feeding.
The main symptom of a cephalohematoma is a protrusion or bulge in the back of a baby's head which forms soon after birth.
At first the bulge (which is the pool of internal blood) will feel soft to the touch.
Gradually the pooled blood under the scalp will begin to calcify and the bulge will get harder and denser.
Preemies have puffy eyes as a result of ROP which causes blood vessels in the preemies eyes to grow abnormally and spread through the retina.
Most infants exhibit some degree of eyelid edema after birth.
The puffiness may make it seem that the infant has difficulty opening one or both eyes, but with a gentle examination, the eye can be easily evaluated.
Edema in newborns resolves over the first few days of life.
The reason NICU babies look swollen is because of the fluids that are administered in the NICU which causes edema in the baby.
Edema is very common in premature babies because the premature baby's circulatory systems and urinary system are not developed fully.
As a result premature babies have a higher water content than full term babies do which leads to the swelling.
A newborn's face may look quite puffy or even distorted due to fluid buildup and their trip through the birth canal.
This often changes a lot during the first few days as the baby gets rid of the extra fluid, while that folded ear, flattened nose, or crooked jaw usually comes back into place over time.
The earlier your baby is born, the smaller they'll be with sharper features, and their head will appear larger in comparison to their bodies.
Preemies also have very little body fat which will make their skin seem thinner and more transparent.
This is normal. You might also notice that your little one is a bit furry.
Children who were admitted to NICUs as babies are twice as likely to be diagnosed with mental health problems, including ADHD, phobias, and separation anxiety.
Nearly all low birthweight babies need specialized care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) until they gain weight and are well enough to go home.
Fortunately, there is a 95 percent chance of survival for babies weighing between 3 pounds, 5 ounces, and 5 pounds, 8 ounces.
Babies weighing less than 3 pounds, 5 ounces (1,500 grams) at birth are considered very low birth weight.
Low birth weight is most often caused by premature birth.
Nearly all low-birth-weight babies need special care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until they gain weight and are well enough to go home.
Common conditions that are treated in premature babies in the NICU include.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Jaundice.
Keeping warm.
Macrosomia.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Sepsis.
If your baby is very small or sick, you might not be able to hold them yet – but you can still touch them.
Just like any baby, your baby in the NICU needs the comfort of human touch.
But you do need to be very careful and gentle when you touch sick or premature babies.