Brief Answer:
If your daughter is feeding well and is playful then nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs XXXXXXX

Thanks for posting your query.

I understand your concern.

First of all I would like you to calm down and not worry too much, since you have not mentioned anything about your daughter's feeding difficulties or excessive crying or any of that sort, I presume that she does not have any of these problems and that in my opinion is a good and reassuring sign that your daughter fine.

However, since the birth was by C-section, the usual cause for a hematoma is ruled out, that is vaginal delivery, that raises the question as to what this swelling really is.

To be able to comment on the swelling, it would be best to see and examine the swelling directly, but since that is not possible online, it would be useful if you can at least upload a few photographs (good clarity) of the swelling so that I can understand what it could be.

Most importantly, your daughter is not having any problems with feeding (I suppose) and she is passing urine and stools fine, and does not cry excessively... Please correct me if I am making wrong presumptions here... All these are very reassuring signs, so do not panic.

The swelling, if it is diffuse, then it is most likely due to some minor edema under the skin and it will usually subside soon.

Please do let me know the exact reason/diagnosis made before the doctor (obstetrician) decided to do a C-section. This will help me understand what could have caused the swelling.

Please also do tell me if you see any colour change in the area where the swelling is present and if you can describe how that swelling feels when you touch it, then that would be very good.

Please do not apply any ointment, it will not help. And we do not know exactly why there is a swelling, so without actually knowing if there is something wrong, we can not treat it blindly.

Please write back to me with the details asked in my response and do also upload some photographs of the swelling so that I can guide you further.

Best regards.

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Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be hematoma, better to get it examined by pediatric surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs XXXXXXX

Thank you for writing back to me and uploading the pic. As I said, it is a good thing that your baby does not have any other problems, and the swelling is present since before birth, your baby has developed this swelling inside your womb, it is not due to birth injury or anything of that sort. (I can not be absolutely sure of it, but it looks so to me, because it is very well defined and the skin over it is quite normal)

I can see the swelling on the forehead, the swelling is not due to hematoma or edema.

It appears more like a retention cyst (We have sweat and sebaceous glands in the skin, and if they get blocked, a cyst can form).

This is unlikely to disappear on it's own, but it is unlikely to cause any problem.

If I was treating your baby, I would get an ultrasound scan of the swelling to see exactly what it is.

I would suggest you to consult a pediatric surgeon and get it looked at, a pediatrician is unlikely to understand the problem well and they may neglect this as they can not treat it.

A pediatric surgeon is the best specialist to consult.

Once the actual nature of the swelling is confirmed, then a decision can be made as to when to remove it, or if it needs to be removed or not.

Ideally, such swellings, if they do not grow in size, are best left alone till the age of 6-7 years because by then the head size would approach almost adult size and if a surgery is performed, it would not leave behind a scar that is going to grow in future and it will remain a small scar.

I hope this answers your query. Please feel free to write back to me if you have any more doubts.

Best wishes.

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Brief Answer:
You are most welcome, I happy to help you.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Mrs XXXXXXX

Thank you very much for your kind words.

I am happy to know that you found my answer useful.

Take care.

Warm regards

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