Patient's question:
When the baby was born, the head was squeezed, forming a hematoma. The doctor said it would disappear, but now it has been 40 days, and the hematoma has not only not disappeared but also hardened. What's going on? Is it calcified? Is surgery necessary, or will it disappear on its own?Doctor's answer:
Because the baby's head is compressed and rubbed by the birth canal, it forms a subcutaneous hematoma, also known as a tumor. This occurs when the baby's head is pressed at the cervix during birth, leading to impaired local blood circulation and resulting in edema of the subcutaneous tissue. To facilitate the baby's delivery, doctors may use forceps or a vacuum extractor. When the baby's head is compressed, the cranial bones overlap, reducing the head circumference, which may cause subperiosteal vascular injury and rupture. Blood gradually accumulates to form a hematoma. It requires about 3 to 4 weeks for the quality to gradually absorb, becoming smaller and harder. Some newborns may need longer to absorb and disappear within 4 to 6 months. It's okay, it won't swell—it will gradually absorb, taking about 1 to 2 weeks for faster absorption and 4 to 6 months for slower absorption. It will not affect the child's growth and development.