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Glossary of Terms

Caput succedaneum (caput)
A spongy swelling and accumulation of fluid in scalp tissues of infants born vaginally. This occurs because the baby's head, in normal presentation, is under much pressure in the birth canal. This pressure on the skin of the scalp causes accumulation of soft tissue fluid. Although it may look serious, it usually disappears within a few days.
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Date Last Modified: 08/25/2003 08:16