Caput Succedaneum Attorneys in St. Louis, Missouri
At The Gogel Law Firm, our St. Louis birth injury attorneys know that there were 69,285 live births in Missouri last year, according to the Missouri Department of Health. While most deliveries go as planned, others can experience complications that cause injuries to the baby during the process.
Caput succedaneum is a common injury that occurs during delivery that results in swelling, or edema, of an infant’s scalp that appears as a lump or bump on their head.
A caput succedaneum is more likely to form during a long or hard delivery, or when vacuum extraction or forceps are used during a difficult birthing process.
The prolonged pressure causes fluid to build underneath the scalp, causing swelling, puffiness, and bruising. The baby’s head may have a cone-shaped appearance when caput succedaneum occurs.
What are the Potential Complications of Caput Succedaneum?
According to healthcare professionals, caput succedaneum can result in swelling that extends down both sides of the head, darker colors or bruising on the swollen area, and may result in jaundice.
Jaundice is a condition in which the skin, whites of the eyes, and mucous membranes turn yellow because of a high level of bilirubin, a yellow-orange bile pigment.
In some cases, untreated jaundice can lead to serious health problems. An unusually high blood level of bilirubin can place a newborn at risk of brain damage, particularly in the presence of certain risk factors for severe jaundice.
In other cases, any attempt to drain the fluid from the scalp can lead to additional medical issues, including a serious infection.
Contact Our St. Louis Caput Succedaneum Lawyers Today for a Free Case Assessment
If your child suffers from caput succedaneum or more severe medical issues caused during a difficult delivery, your healthcare provider may be liable for the damages that result. Our skilled St. Louis birth injury attorneys can help. Contact our St. Louis medical malpractice lawyer today to review your case by calling (314) 370-8173 or online to schedule a free consultation.
