Hematoma on the head of a newborn baby after childbirth: when does it go away, consequences

Is a hematoma dangerous in a newborn, what are the consequences?

Theoretically, a hematoma is not a dangerous phenomenon. At the same time, it’s also not worth letting everything take its course. The child must be monitored for some time after surgery. Parents should be alert to changes in the size or color of the injury. Also, under no circumstances should the area through which the fluid was pumped be allowed to fester.

Deformation of the skull, retardation in mental, mental and physical development, cerebral palsy (in rare cases) - all these are possible consequences of a hematoma that was undetected and not removed in time. The resulting injury puts pressure on all parts of the brain, which significantly slows down the development process, and sometimes even leads to the extinction of vital reflexes.

It’s worse when the “bruise” is not visible externally, since the injury was deep inside. Then such an acquired neoplasm can become a serious threat to the life and health of the little person.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

the child is nervous, capricious, overly excitable or lethargic, inactive;
the baby has eaten and spits up like a fountain;
shows no interest in breastfeeding or food;
lethargy, drowsiness, apathy are observed;
Tears appear in the eyes in bright light;
the baby throws his head back or tries to keep it in one position.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/jiPNFKNYmDE

Hematoma on the head of a newborn: causes, photos, treatment and consequences

Birth injuries are damage to soft and hard tissues of varying severity and intensity, resulting from weak labor, the use of hardware methods for fetal extraction (retrieval), and incorrect position of the fetus in the uterus.

Birth trauma in a child can be caused by erroneous labor management tactics, improper behavior of the mother during contractions and pushing, as well as mistakes by medical personnel delivering the baby. One of the types of birth injuries in newborns is a hematoma.

A hematoma is a tumor formed as a result of damage to blood vessels during various injuries to internal organs.

Most hematomas go away on their own within 2-4 weeks after the baby is born, but some of them require careful medical supervision and observation.

One of these tumors is a cephalohematoma - a hemorrhage that occurs between the bones of the skull and the connective fibers (periosteum). The pathology occurs in approximately 3-5% of newborns and usually has a fairly favorable prognosis.

In rare cases, cephalohematoma can cause disturbances in the functioning of the brain, and in 0.4% of children it can cause cerebral palsy.

Hematoma on the head of a newborn

Varieties, features and appearance

The main reason for the formation of hematomas on the head in newborns is the pressure that the pelvic bones exert on the child’s body while moving through the birth canal.

The situation becomes more complicated if the dimensions of the mother’s pelvis do not match the circumference of the fetus’s head, and there is a risk of the head getting stuck in the pelvic cavity.

For such women, delivery by cesarean section is indicated, but in case of premature or rapid labor, especially if the woman lives far from the maternity hospital and does not have time to arrive at the maternity hospital on time, it is not always possible to carry out the operation before the fetal head descends into the pelvis.

Externally, a hematoma looks like a tumor or a small lump. Its size depends on the amount of accumulated blood. In some cases it can reach up to 150 ml - this situation is considered clinically severe and very often requires surgical intervention.

The average volume of blood that makes up a hematoma on the head is 5-50 ml.

Formation of a hematoma in a child

Hematomas of the parietal and occipital parts of the head can have three degrees of severity:

1st degree – formation diameter ≤ 4 cm;
2nd degree – bruise diameter from 4 cm to 8 cm;
Grade 3 (the most severe) – tumor diameter ≥ 8 cm.

Types of hematomas in a newborn

Cephalohematoma	A tumor formed as a result of damage to the blood vessels of the periosteum and localized between the cranium and the connective fibers of the periosteum
Subdural tumor	Collection of blood under the dura mater of the brain
Intracerebral bruise	Rupture of blood vessels and capillaries of the brain with subsequent formation of a blood spot in the brain space

Important! Under no circumstances should you refuse medical supervision if a child is diagnosed with a head hematoma. In some cases, bruising can be combined with a fracture of the skull bones and cerebral edema, so children with this diagnosis need a comprehensive examination and supervision of specialists

Causes of hematoma on the head of a newborn

Experts identify several factors that increase the likelihood of the formation of cephalohematoma and other types of hematomas in the first day after the birth of a child.

The risk group includes women of the older age group (in some regions, women over 30 years old are considered old-timers), as well as patients with a history of fractures and other injuries to the pelvic bones or unsuccessful pregnancies and abortions.

Incorrect behavior of a woman during childbirth, the use of obstetric forceps or a vacuum aspirator, premature, protracted labor - all this increases the risk of the child receiving birth injuries and the formation of hematomas.

Birth trauma and hematoma on the head

Nature has created it in such a way that during the birth of a baby, the risk of injury is minimized. But this doesn't always happen. Often during childbirth there is a malfunction for one reason or another and it is not possible to avoid injury to the newborn.

Sometimes such injuries are incompatible with life or cause irreparable harm to the baby’s health for a long time. More often, injuries pass over time and remain only in the memory of the parents, and the child grows strong and developed.

Birth trauma can result in various injuries. The most common type is hematoma. The name itself speaks for itself - bruise. Such soft tissue injury occurs quite often during even the most successful childbirth.

It is impossible to protect yourself from this damage in advance, and both children who were born through natural childbirth and through caesarean section receive it. Statistics say that the percentage of hematomas on the head of babies in both types of childbirth is approximately equal.

What is a hematoma and what are its causes?

A hematoma is a bruise in tissue resulting from rupture of blood vessels. The formation can appear on any part of the body, but most often on the head.

There are 2 main reasons why hematomas form in newborns:

compression of parts of the child’s body while passing through the mother’s birth canal;
a sharp drop in pressure in the baby’s body at the moment of transition from the internal environment to the external one.

The risk of hematoma increases if:

premature baby;
the size of the fetal head and the lumen of the mother’s birth canal do not coincide with each other;
Vacuum extraction was performed during childbirth;
the fruit is too large;
The baby was born by caesarean section.

Types of hematomas in newborns

Cephalohematoma is an accumulation of blood between the skull and the periosteum. Occurs in 2% of newborns.
Intracerebral hematoma is the penetration of blood into the brain.
Epidural - rupture of a blood vessel between the cranial bone and the dura mater. The most severe and dangerous type of hemorrhage.
Subdural hematoma is the entry of blood under the dura mater.

Why does a baby have a hematoma on his head?

In medicine, there are two main reasons why hematomas form in a newborn baby:

compression of parts of the baby’s body and in particular the head as it passes through the birth canal. The fetus in the mother's womb is located head down and it pave the way to the outside with it. In the still unformed skull of a child, the bones are very flexible. When the skull is compressed during labor, bruises appear on the back of the head or on the crown of the head;
sudden changes in blood pressure in the child’s body during its transition from the mother’s womb to the external environment. Birth is a kind of stress for a baby. Not every baby has such sudden pressure surges that the walls of blood vessels can withstand. As a result, they burst and a hematoma forms on the baby’s head.

Although a birth hematoma on the head of a newborn is very common, it does not form in everyone. Factors that increase the risk of such injuries include:

the baby stays too long in the mother’s womb or is born prematurely;
long interval between birth and water breaking;
narrow pelvic bones in the mother or a large head in the child;
abnormal location in the baby's birth canal;
rapid labor due to drug stimulation;
improper removal of the fetus during caesarean section;
the use of epidural anesthesia for the mother during childbirth;
extraction of the child using vacuum extraction.

In addition to these, there are many other reasons that result in the formation of a hematoma on a child’s head. Therefore, in order to identify and timely prevent possible risks even in the early stages of pregnancy, expectant mothers need to contact specialists at the antenatal clinic.

Cephalohematoma in newborns

Depending on where exactly the hemorrhage occurred, there are several types of hematomas. However, the most common type is cephalohematoma. It is a hemorrhage under the periosteum of the skull bones. When you press on this place, waves seem to diverge under your fingers. In this case, the surface of the skin over the hematoma in a newborn is not changed, the color remains the same, although pinpoint traces of blood may be observed.

The mechanism of injury is that the skin shifts along with the periosteum and when the baby’s head moves through the birth canal, blood vessels rupture due to compression of the skull bones. Causes of cephalohematoma in newborns:

Overloads to which the baby is exposed at birth;
Discrepancy between the size of the fetus and the birth canal;
Prematurity;
Complications after vacuum extraction.

It is quite difficult to detect a cephalohematoma immediately after birth, since it is covered by the birth tumor and becomes noticeable only after its resorption. As a result of damage to blood vessels, a certain amount of blood accumulates. Moreover, the blood in the hematoma does not collect all at once on the first day, but gradually. The fact is that newborn children usually have a temporary deficiency of blood clotting factors. Therefore, the tumor that appears immediately after birth continues to increase in size over the next 2-3 days, and the volume of cephalohematoma in newborns ranges from 10 to 150 ml of blood.

This type of hematoma can be located in various parts of the head, and the blood inside remains liquid for a long time due to its low coagulability. If there is little blood in the cephalohematoma, after about a week it will begin to resolve on its own, without any intervention or treatment. With significant hemorrhage, this process may take several months. Therefore, puncture is used to treat hematoma in newborns.

To do this, use two special needles to suction the blood. One needle is for removing blood, and the other is so that negative pressure does not arise in the vacated cavity and does not provoke a new hemorrhage. Usually this manipulation scares baby’s mothers, but there is nothing complicated about it. You need to be wary of the consequences of a hematoma in a newborn; if it is not treated in time, it can fester or ossify and leave an ugly bump on the child’s head.

Complications of cephalohematoma:

Anemia – develops as a result of significant blood loss;
Jaundice – formed when hemorrhage resolves;
Tumor suppuration;
Ossification of hematoma.

You should urgently consult a doctor if you have a hematoma in a newborn if:

The child has difficulty feeding;
The baby is restless or overly excitable;
The baby has asymmetry of the head and problems with muscle tone;
The child has a strong tilt of the head back.

In such cases, it is important to provide timely medical care to the newborn. The consequences of birth trauma can be different, including delayed speech and mental development

Therefore, you should not postpone visiting a doctor if any disturbing symptoms are observed in your baby.

Types of hematomas and their features

Depending on the depth of tissue damage, a birth hematoma on the head of a newborn is divided into:

to simple;
mixed;
tricky.

The mildest form of injury is considered simple. The hematoma is bright red and resolves quickly. This type of hematoma does not cause harm to the child if measures are taken in a timely manner by doctors.

Tricky birth trauma is located deeper in the tissues. It has a dark blue or purple color. This damage requires medical treatment and observation of the child by doctors.

Mixed type involves a combination of symptoms of two other types. Such a hematoma causes some difficulties, but does not threaten the baby’s life.

In newborns, hematoma on the head after childbirth is also divided into the following types:

cephalohematoma - as a result of damage to blood vessels and the formation of blood clots between the periosteum and the skull;
intracerebral - formation from blood inside the brain;
epidural - a blood clot between the skull bone and the membrane of the brain, is one of the most dangerous;
subdural - blood entering under the membrane of the brain.

Only an experienced neonatologist can determine the type through examination and ultrasound examination. In newborns, the fontanel on the head is open, and through it it is easy to view the condition of the tissues and brain.

Does a hematoma on the head of a newborn after childbirth require treatment?

The head of a child with a formed hematoma looks asymmetrical, and the boundaries of the formation itself are always clearly defined. The lump is soft to the touch, easily dented, and an accumulation of liquid is clearly felt inside. There are small red pinpoint hemorrhages on the surface of the skin in the area of the hematoma. Gradually the skin color becomes bluish. The doctor conducts an external examination, prescribes a blood test, ultrasound examination and x-rays. These methods make it possible to determine the exact size and depth of the hematoma that has arisen, and the presence of possible damage to the bones of the skull.

Is a hematoma dangerous?

The formed hematoma remains unchanged for 1-2 weeks, and then most often resolves on its own. As soon as the lump begins to shrink, the child will immediately feel better. The baby will become happier, begin to sleep and eat better, stop crying frequently, and within a few days the hematoma will significantly decrease in size and then disappear completely. If this does not happen, medical intervention is necessary. This procedure is called “hematoma aspiration.” It is carried out using two medical needles, which will remove accumulated blood. This measure helps to immediately relieve the baby of all unwanted symptoms. Complications of hematoma include: increased nervous excitability and poor sleep in the child; gradual development of anemia due to large blood loss; the appearance of newborn jaundice; infection of the tumor contents and subsequent suppuration; ossification of the hematoma, leading to deformation of the head.

Does a newborn hematoma require treatment?

Doctors take these children under observation. The use of medications will not help get rid of the effects of hemorrhage. Usually they wait until everything goes away on its own. If, after a set period of time, spontaneous resorption of the soft lump does not occur, an operation is performed to open it and remove the accumulated blood. But this happens extremely rarely. If an operation has been performed, the child’s recovery takes 15-20 days, after which he becomes completely healthy and no unpleasant consequences are observed in the future. Doctors do not consider hematoma a dangerous disease, although its manifestations can be quite unpleasant for a small patient.

The difference between a hematoma and a birth tumor

Sometimes a hematoma is confused with a birth tumor, although the signs of these formations differ in location, texture and timing of resorption. Tumor formations form in several places at once; they can simultaneously be located not only on the head, but also on the back or leg of the child. In the head region, the hematoma is always localized on one bone, and the birth tumor is located on several at once. The tumor formation is dense to the touch, since there is no liquid content inside. For the same reason, tumors resolve much faster. Now that you know more about the process of hematoma formation, you should not worry that the doctor is inactive and does not prescribe treatment. This is common practice. According to statistics, such an injury occurs in 1-2% of the total number of newborns and does not threaten them with anything serious.

Hematoma on the head of a newborn

In order for the baby to pass through the birth canal, he needs to squeeze between the muscle ring and the bones of the mother’s pelvis. As the baby moves forward, it makes corkscrew, pendulum and other movements. Meanwhile, all children have strong, but at the same time elastic skull bones, which are connected to each other by natural shock absorbers - sutures and fontanelles.

The fontanelle is the space that remains free in the middle of the skull and is necessary for the birth of a child. A newborn has two fontanels: large and small. The large one is located on the crown of the baby’s head and is a soft place covered by a thin membrane. The small fontanel is located in the occipital part of the head. Thanks to this structure, the bones are able to move apart and come closer together.

During the process of birth, the head changes its shape somewhat: the bones of the skull overlap each other, which allows it to squeeze through the narrowest places. Subsequently, the bones of the skull quickly straighten out with the baby’s first cry, as well as during attachment to the breast. If the child is healthy, he usually passes through the birth canal without any consequences. But if the baby has intrauterine complications or the mother has health problems, then the baby is not always able to be born without damage. Sometimes it is impossible to avoid the formation of a hematoma on the head of a newborn.

Quite often, birth trauma to the skull occurs against the background of intrauterine fetal hypoxia. In conditions of a lack of oxygen in a baby, metabolism in all tissues may change, which can reduce the elasticity of his blood vessels. During birth, “weak” blood vessels and capillaries cannot withstand the difference between the pressure inside the uterus and in the external environment, which can lead to hemorrhage into the brain tissue. As a result, a hematoma forms in the newborn.

Often, such birth trauma occurs in premature infants, whose body is not yet fully mature, including the blood vessels. Also, sometimes post-term babies are born with damage, as their bones begin to harden and their fontanel begins to close. Therefore, their skull is less elastic and mobile. Bruising and tissue swelling can form not only on the child’s head, but also on the body or face.

As a rule, hematoma in newborns goes away quite quickly, without any special consequences for the baby’s health. On the second or third day, the skin at the site of the injury evens out, the bruises turn pale, and then disappear after a couple of weeks. Although, there are still exceptions. In some children, the birth tumor may grow and bleed, which is quite dangerous due to various complications. In this case, it is no longer possible to do without treatment. The child is given hemostatic agents and even antibiotics in case of hematoma suppuration.

What is a hematoma on a newborn’s head after childbirth?

A birth hematoma on the head of a newborn baby is an accumulation of blood due to rupture of blood vessels that appears immediately after birth. Refers to a birth injury and can only be in the soft tissues of the head or inside the skull.

A superficial bruise in a newborn is not dangerous and may be the result of slight compression of the tissue. Similar hematomas are possible on any other parts of the body, for example, on a newborn’s leg or shoulders. Their localization depends on the type of presentation, that is, moving forward with the head or buttocks, legs.

The second mechanism for the appearance of a hematoma is associated with vascular rupture. This happens more often when they are insufficiently strong (for example, in premature, weakened children). Bleeding will be more abundant in a child with low blood clotting ability.

The third traumatic factor is oxygen starvation (hypoxia) during fetal development. Its presence can cause rupture of blood vessels inside the brain even without any external influence on the child’s head. The formation of a hematoma is associated with:

profound changes in brain metabolism and functions;
swelling of the brain tissue;
obstruction of blood outflow and congestion of the vascular bed;
increase in intracranial pressure;
increased permeability of blood vessels with the passage of blood plasma and red blood cells through their wall.

There are physiological (natural) factors that serve as a background for a newborn’s hematoma:

the bones of the skull are thin and flexible (fragile);
the sutures between the bone plates are wide;
the walls of the vessels are not strong enough (underdeveloped);
immature nervous system;
imperfect regulation of vascular tone;
low prothrombin, intestinal flora does not yet “know how” to produce vitamin K, which slows down blood clotting.

Dangerous symptoms

With a strong blow, a bruise in a baby is an external manifestation of serious internal injuries. Dangerous places for bruising are the back of the head and temples, as well as the stomach. For newborns, trauma of any location can lead to health problems, especially if they fall from a height.

For bruises and bumps on the head, forehead (possibility of concussion):

nausea, vomiting
headache
pale skin
breathing problems
squint and so on

With a hematoma on the bridge of the nose (risk of nasal fracture):

darkening of the skin under the eyes
changing the shape of the nose

In case of abdominal injury (risk of damage to internal organs):

strong pain
pale skin
dry mouth and thirst
lowering blood pressure

If the limbs are damaged (risk of fracture), pain when moving.

Regardless of the location of the injury (risk of infection):

increase in body temperature some time after the injury
severe swelling and hyperthermia of the skin in the affected area

In these situations, you should not use ointment or other remedies for bruises; it is important to get the baby to the hospital as soon as possible

How does a hematoma differ from a birth tumor?

Birth tumor is swelling of soft tissues. At first glance, it is similar to a hematoma; both birth injuries are quite common after childbirth. But the tumor is different: it simultaneously affects several adjacent bones of the skull and does not move in different directions if you press on it. A hematoma, in turn, forms in the area of only one bone that has been injured (temporal, parietal, occipital or frontal). When you press on the hematoma, it seems to disperse in waves and change shape.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=embed/WM1qY9FiOTc

Remember that in most cases, hematomas in newborns are not dangerous, and there is no need to worry about this. The main thing that is required of the mother is to take care of the baby and show the child to the doctor in time if she notices any changes that worry her.

Classification

Based on the combination of cephalohematoma with other possible injuries, the following are distinguished:

cephalohematoma with skull fracture;
cephalohematoma with brain damage (epidural hematoma, cerebral edema, or cerebral hemorrhage);
combination of cephalohematoma with neurological manifestations (focal and general brain symptoms).

Based on the size of the subperiosteal hemorrhage, three degrees of cephalohematoma are distinguished:

1st degree – hemorrhage diameter is 4 cm or less;
2nd degree – diameter of cephalohematoma 4.1 – 8 cm;
Grade 3 – the diameter of the hemorrhage is more than 8 cm (in the case of multiple cephalohematomas, the total area of hemorrhage is assessed).

Based on the location of the hemorrhage, cephalohematomas are distinguished: parietal (most common), frontal, occipital (less common) and temporal bone (very rare localization).

Hematomas in newborns Lessons for mothers

The main cause of cephalohematoma is compression of the bones of the skull during passage through the birth canal. Intrauterine and external pressure are different, the vessels and capillaries in the newborn burst, which leads to the accumulation of blood. In addition, the following factors predispose to the appearance of a hematoma on the head of newborns after childbirth: Large head of the newborn; Breech, breech or other types of abnormal presentations. These parts of the body are narrower than the head, they come out first, and do not completely open the birth canal. It is difficult for a newborn's head to get through them; Narrow pelvis of a woman in labor; Small amount of amniotic fluid. The head comes out, which is called dry, which increases birth trauma; Obstetric intervention - application of forceps, use of vacuum; Prematurity of the newborn. Externally, a cephalohematoma does not look like a bruise. The color of the scalp at the site of the swelling does not change. If you look closely, pinpoint hemorrhages may be visible. In appearance, it is a small ball in which, when pressed, you can see the liquid rolling. Fluid does not immediately accumulate in the cephalohematoma, since the newborn baby has a blood clotting deficiency. Therefore, within 2-3 days after birth, the cephalohematoma can grow. Reduction of swelling begins on the 7-10th day of a newborn’s life. By 3-8 weeks, the cephalohematoma completely resolves. According to doctors, cephalohematoma on the head should not be considered a serious sign of concern. After resorption, it does not remind of itself in any way. However, among the types of swelling during childbirth, it is the most persistent. Its disappearance is also associated with the size of the newborn’s head - the larger the head, the slower it passes. Visually, a cephalohematoma on the head is very similar to a birth tumor. This type of injury is also quite common in newborns.

It is important to distinguish these two types of swelling, because they have different characters and consequences; A cephalohematoma is located on any one cranial bone of the head, and a birth tumor can form on several bones at once; The tumor is much denser, the liquid does not flow when pressed, which is typical for cephalohematoma; Such a tumor can be localized not only on the newborn’s head, but also on the buttock, thigh or lower leg - if the fetus was breech; The reasons for its appearance are similar to the reasons for cephalohematoma, but the birth tumor resolves faster, because it is not accompanied by hemorrhage

Consequences of cephalohematoma on the head

Basically, it does not have any impact on the future life and development of the child. But, nevertheless, like any other type of injury, cephalohematoma in newborns on the head can have consequences. You should be concerned if: You have problems eating. The newborn has difficulty latching onto the breast, often spits up, and refuses to eat; The newborn is excited and restless. This may be accompanied by shuddering during sleep, twitching of arms or legs, poor sleep; Find out other reasons for restless sleep from the article: Why does a newborn sleep poorly?>>> The shape of the head is not straight, the baby turns, tilts it to one side or throws it back; Read the current article: Newborn throws his head back>>> There is tearing from the newborn’s eye only on one side; See a similar article: The eye of a newborn is festering >>> The child has hypotonicity of the muscles. In this case, you should immediately consult your doctor. There is no need to panic, because in general everything can be normal. But in the absence of timely treatment, cephalohematoma can cause delays in mental and physical development. In exceptional cases, it can even cause cerebral palsy. Of course, this is rare, but it’s still worth being safe.

Complications caused by cephalohematoma on the head include:

Anemia, which develops as a result of large blood loss; Jaundice of the newborn; Tumor suppuration; Her ossification. Therefore, it is extremely important on your part to monitor for cephalohematoma. If complications or other problems arise, you should contact your pediatrician.

To make a more accurate and correct diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe procedures such as radiography (mandatory when applying forceps during childbirth), ultrasound, CT and MRI of the newborn’s head.

How does a hematoma occur?

As a result of damage to blood vessels, hematomas appear in tissues. Such formation in children can occur on various parts of the body. In a newborn, a hematoma on the head after childbirth is formed as a result of:

excessive compression of the body during the passage of the birth canal;
at the moment of pressure drop during caesarean section;
difficult births using obstetric forceps.

These components determine further events in the development of childbirth.

Features of treatment

The most common birth injury is cephalohematoma. According to doctors, it does not require treatment, does not pose any danger to the life and health of the baby, and will resolve on its own within two weeks. If this does not happen and the bruise only increases in size, you should immediately consult a doctor.

The main tests to clarify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment are:

ultrasonography;
X-ray examination.

A hematoma resulting from a blow is examined especially carefully. The phenomenon is rare, but it happens. The baby will probably be prescribed a computer examination of the injured tissues of the head.

Draining the fluid using a special needle is the main treatment for this problem. The process is absolutely painless, although it causes a lot of anxiety among parents. The procedure involves two needles, one of which directly pumps out the accumulated blood, while the other maintains the necessary pressure to avoid a sharp drop. You will be able to notice improvements almost immediately: the child will become much livelier, more active, and more cheerful. But do not forget about careful monitoring of the baby.

Depending on the condition of the hematoma itself, medications may be prescribed. You cannot do without them if the injury is quite large. After pumping out the fluid, concomitant medications that increase blood clotting are sometimes necessary. They must contain calcium and vitamin K.

It is good if after the operation the baby is breastfed. This will help him recover faster and gain strength. It is not worth rocking such children to sleep. Going to bed should be calm, without unnecessary movements.

Does a newborn hematoma require treatment?

Hematoma in newborns requires treatment if the following conditions are present:

the tumor continues to grow;
does not dissolve within 7-10 days;
signs of suppuration of the tumor are noticeable;
symptoms indicating nervous disorders have been identified;
subdural or epidural hematomas were diagnosed.

To remove the tumor, 2 punctures are made in it, through which needles are inserted into the hematoma. Through the first, blood is pumped out. The second needle is necessary to prevent pressure drop.

For large hematomas, this treatment is supplemented by taking specialized medications in the form of injections. Children who have weak blood clotting are prescribed hemostatic medications.

If your child has a cephalohematoma, the most frequently asked question is whether it needs to be treated? When should you see a doctor?

If the tumor resolves in a normal timely manner, treatment is not necessary. But, if complications begin, then a set of measures is necessary. The treatment of cephalohematoma in newborns involves a neonatologist and, if necessary, a surgeon.

For minor hemorrhage, the newborn is prescribed calcium gluconate and vitamin K to stop bleeding and enhance clotting;
If the cephalohematoma increases in size to 8 or more centimeters, it needs to be punctured;

Active development of laser removal of hematomas is underway. After the procedure, a pressure bandage is applied to the newborn’s head to prevent infection from entering the open wound.

Important! The puncture can be performed only after 10 days of the child’s life!

Suppuration of a cephalohematoma is accompanied by inflammation of the bruise area and an increase in body temperature. In this case, it is also carefully opened and the pus is removed. After this, the opened wound is drained and antiseptic dressings are applied to avoid the development of the inflammatory process.

The main instruction for parents is to carefully observe the cephalohematoma, monitor its changes, in order to take the necessary measures to treat it in a timely manner.

The principle of treatment is that if the head hematoma in a newborn is small and there are no other symptoms (particularly from the nervous system), then you can observe its resorption. If there is no dynamics during the first month of life or additional symptoms appear, this indicates the need to seek medical help.

Prevention

Periosteal hemorrhage can be avoided if the following conditions are met:

the expectant mother should lead a healthy lifestyle and not take medications without consulting a doctor;
The doctor and midwife must conduct the birth carefully, choose the method of delivery correctly and quickly.

To prevent recurrent hemorrhage, mothers should not rock the baby until 6 months of age. You cannot refuse surgical treatment of a hematoma. If your doctor recommends a cesarean section, it is best to choose this method of delivery. If these recommendations are followed, the child will quickly recover from the injury.

A cephalohematoma on the head of a newborn noticed in time, the treatment of which is quite easy, does not pose a threat to the child’s life.

Cephalohematoma

Cephalohematoma

– occurs during natural childbirth as a result of friction of the head on the birth canal (with a large fetus, prolonged labor, weak labor, etc.). Detachment of the periosteum occurs, and a cavity is formed between the periosteum and the bone itself, this cavity is filled with blood. Most often, cephalohematoma is a unilateral process. In most cases, cephalohematoma develops in the area of the parietal bone. The cephalohematoma does not extend beyond one bone.

Cephalohematoma persists for up to several weeks, but generally goes away within 3 weeks.

Treatment of cephalohematoma

: no specific treatment is prescribed; very careful handling of the newborn’s head is recommended. However, if the hematoma persists for more than a month, the doctor performs a puncture, sucks out the blood, and injects medications into the cavity (usually hormones).

Fractures of baby's bones during childbirth

- birth injury, which is not too rare. Most often, a fracture of the collarbone occurs (during natural childbirth due to illiterate intervention by the obstetrician). Fortunately, the bones of newborns do not break in the same way as in adults (compared to a green branch fracture - that is, not completely), the periosteum does not break and the fracture heals faster.

The child cries, there is limited movement of the hand on the affected side, a symptom of crepitus (crunching) on palpation.

Treatment of a clavicle fracture in a newborn

– apply a Deso bandage or simply tightly swaddle the child’s hand on the affected side (for 2 weeks). Then physiotherapy is prescribed to eliminate the callus.

Types of hematomas

A postpartum hematoma looks like a small, soft bluish ball; its texture is caused by the accumulation of fluid at the site of injury. During the first 2-3 days after birth, growth of the formation is observed, and on days 7-10 it begins to gradually decrease in size. Most often, the lump occurs on the top of the head, but it can also appear in the back of the head, the front of the head, or the side.

Cephalohematoma

The most common type of head hematoma in newborns is cephalohematoma. It is also the simplest variety. Hemorrhage occurs in the periosteum and does not extend beyond the specific bone. The size of the hematoma can range from 2 cm to 20 cm.

The most common sites of occurrence are the parietal, occipital and temporal regions. Given the low blood clotting in newborns, in the first days of a child’s life it may increase, but by the end of the first or second week of life, as a rule, it begins to resolve.

In the mother, these may be: pelvic abnormalities, bone injuries, late birth, a history of pregnancy. From the side of the fetus: large size, irregular shape. However, it must be remembered that there is the possibility of more serious causes, such as hemophilia, developmental abnormalities or complications associated with diabetes in the mother (diabetic embryofetopathy).

This type of injury is rare compared to other types, and when it occurs, it is usually the result of a critical pressure drop during vacuum extraction. The fact is that during the vacuum extraction procedure, negative pressure is specially created between the device and the fetal head.

That is why this procedure is dangerous due to hemorrhages, especially in premature babies. This type of hematoma is not limited by the size of the bone and has a diffuse nature. If the size of the hematoma is small, then spontaneous resorption is possible. However, most often, in order to prevent infection, an incision is made through which the blood from the hematoma comes out.

) membranes of the brain. Most often it occurs in premature and weakened children. The rapid course of the birth process, in which there is a high probability of displacement of the skull bones, may cause the development of this type of hematoma. It manifests itself as a circulatory disorder, but the symptoms are mild (pallor of the skin, lethargy, increased respiratory movements, impaired reflexes).

It is a serious consequence of birth trauma, which develops when blood accumulates between the dura mater of the brain and the skull. The success of treatment depends on the speed of response of specialists, given that bleeding occurs under high pressure. Accordingly, intracranial pressure rises rapidly.

The symptomatic picture is clear: convulsions, rapidly increasing anemia, lack of pupillary response, rapid pulse, possible coma. A dangerous type of hematoma that requires immediate surgical intervention

It is important to understand the difference between a hematoma and a birth tumor due to the fact that the latter is quite common

A birth tumor covers several bone joints at once, while a hematoma in a newborn usually depends on a specific bone (however, it must be borne in mind that large subaponeurotic hematomas can be diffuse in nature).

Cephalohematoma in newborns refers to birth injuries to the head and is a small tumor that occurs as a result of rupture of blood vessels. This leads to the fact that blood begins to accumulate between the bones of the skull and the periosteum. Since the blood of newborns is characterized by low coagulability, the formation continues to increase in size for 2-3 days after birth.

Cephalohematoma occurs in 0.1 to 1.8% of newborns.

Causes of cephalohematoma in newborns

During the birth of the baby, in order to facilitate the passage of the head through the birth canal, the bones of the skull overlap each other. As a result, the brain is compressed, and the child’s head is slightly deformed. However, there is no need to worry about this - within a few days after birth, the bones of the skull return to their places.

Meanwhile, the scalp moves along with the periosteum, thereby provoking rupture of blood vessels. Most often this happens if the newborn suffers from a deficiency of vitamins K, C, PP. Blood flowing from damaged capillaries begins to accumulate in the pocket between the flat bone of the skull and the periosteum, forming a tumor.

Other causes of cephalohematoma in newborns:

Large fetal size with a narrow birth canal;

Pelvic, parietal or facial presentation;

Rapid or, conversely, too slow labor;

Post-term pregnancy;

Defects and pathologies of fetal development;

A woman’s narrow pelvis or the presence of past injuries that led to deformation of the pelvic bones.

Also among the factors contributing to the formation of cephalohematoma in newborns is chronic intrauterine fetal hypoxia. It can occur as a result of entanglement or compression of the umbilical cord. In addition, hemorrhages can result from the actions of obstetricians if forceps or a vacuum are used during complicated labor.

Treatment of cephalohematoma in newborns

Cephalohematoma can be located in different parts of the head, but most often it is observed in the crown area, less often in the occipital, frontal or temporal regions. The boundaries of the tumor usually do not extend beyond the sutures of the skull, where the periosteum is tightly fused to the bones. The blood in a cephalohematoma remains liquid for a long time and does not clot, so the consistency of the formation is initially elastic. Upon palpation, you can feel the movement of fluid inside.

If the amount of blood in a cephalohematoma in newborns is small, then after a few days it begins to decrease in size and dissolve. The tumor completely disappears after about one and a half to two months without any intervention. If significant hemorrhage occurs, resorption may take a longer period of time.

For small cephalohematomas in a newborn, treatment is usually not required. Doctors monitor the child and sometimes prescribe him vitamin K, which increases blood clotting. This is done to stop the leakage of blood and the increase in tumor size. To avoid complications, it is recommended to feed the baby with breast milk, which contains maternal antibodies and contributes to the formation of his own immunity.

If the size of the hemorrhage is significant, a puncture of the cephalohematoma is performed, but not earlier than 10 days of life, due to the high probability of re-bleeding. Using a special needle, punctures are made in the periosteum, through which the contents of the formation are sucked out. Then a pressure bandage is applied to the damaged area.

If inflammation of the cephalohematoma, its redness, swelling, and increase in body temperature are observed, this means that infection and suppuration are occurring. In this case, instead of puncturing the cephalohematoma in newborns, surgical intervention is required. The skin at the site of tumor formation is cut, after which the blood that has accumulated there is removed and the edges of the wound are sutured. Subsequently, antibiotic therapy is carried out. After the operation, the child is under medical supervision for several months.

Consequences of cephalohematoma in newborns

Anemia, which results from blood loss;

Jaundice (increased bilirubin), which develops as a result of tumor resorption, which is accompanied by the breakdown of hemoglobin and the release of its products into the bloodstream;

Rarely:

Suppuration of cephalohematoma, development of the inflammatory process;

Ossification or ossification of the formation, resulting in deformation of the skull.

Prevention of cephalohematoma in newborns involves the pregnant woman following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding the use of medications that can affect the development of the fetus.