How long it takes for a hematoma to go away on a baby depends greatly on where the bleed occurs, the type of hematoma, and other factors. Some hematomas resolve on their own in a few weeks or months, while others may require emergency treatment.
Ensuring your newborn receives an expedient and accurate diagnosis is key to limiting the risks involved and understanding what to expect as they heal. Make sure to have your baby’s hematoma treated by a doctor immediately after you discover it.
Getting to the bottom of what caused your newborn’s hematoma may be an important part of determining if you are eligible to pursue compensation and hold the doctor or hospital liable for your baby’s birth injury.
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Some Hematomas May Resolve in a Few Weeks
How long it takes for a hematoma to go away on a baby depends on the type of hematoma. This may include:
Caput Succedaneum
The most common type of hemorrhagic edema experienced by babies is caput succedaneum. This may appear to be a swollen area, and in some babies, it looks like a bruise.
Caput succedaneum may occur as a result of a long and difficult labor or may occur after a forceps or vacuum delivery. Many babies with this condition are able to fully recover.
Cephalohematoma
Cephalohematoma is another type of hematoma that occurs in babies. It can be due to trauma from delivery by forceps or a vacuum extractor, although it may occur with other trauma, as well.
These hematomas occur in the lining of the skull, between the scalp and the skull. They also generally resolve on their own, although it may take several weeks or more.
Cephalohematomas can come with complications that could delay healing or cause additional concerns. These may include:
- Anemia
- Jaundice
- Infection
Accordingly, it is important to have your child’s cephalohematoma treated and monitored by a doctor.
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Serious Bleeds May Require Emergency Treatment
While most hematomas in newborns are generally benign and may resolve on their own, a subgaleal hematoma can cause serious brain injury and even death without a quick diagnosis and emergency care to stop the bleeding and stabilize the baby’s vitals.
This type of hemorrhage generally develops between 12 hours and three days after delivery. It is imperative that the baby receives a prompt diagnosis when a subgaleal hematoma appears. Treatment may include blood infusions of red cells and plasma. Surgical treatment may be required, as well.
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Newborn Hematomas and Birth Injury Litigation
A hematoma may support a birth injury claim in some cases, including:
- If the doctor’s misuse of forceps or a vacuum device caused the hematoma
- If your child’s doctor misdiagnosed the hematoma
- If your child experienced preventable complications as a result of a hematoma
- If your child’s doctor did not promptly treat serious complications related to the hematoma
- If your child’s hematoma was related to a more serious, underlying birth injury caused by doctor negligence
If a doctor’s negligence caused your child’s hematoma or birth injuries, they may be liable to you in a medical malpractice lawsuit. The recoverable damages in a birth injury case may include:
- Current and future medical care related to the birth injury
- Any ongoing care your child requires as a result
- The time you took away from work
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- The pain and suffering your child experienced
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Speak with Someone Today About Your Child’s Birth Injury
At the Birth Injury Lawyers Group, we believe babies should not suffer injuries because of the negligence of those entrusted with their care, especially doctors and medical staff. If you believe your child suffered a preventable birth injury because of medical negligence, you can get help today.
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group can hire medical experts to testify in your defense and gather evidence of the value of your damages when we represent you through settlement negotiations or a medical malpractice lawsuit.
To discuss your case for a free with a member of the Birth Injury Lawyers Group team, call (800) 222-9529 today. We work on a contingency-fee-basis, where we do not collect attorney fees unless and until our clients recover compensation in a settlement offer or court award.
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