Caput Succedaneum

Marked by localized soft tissue edema

Poorly defined margin

Caused by pressure of fetal head on maternal cervix during labor

Present at birth

Does not increase in size

Swelling crosses suture lines

Disappears in a few days

Complications are rare

Cephalhematoma

Soft fluctuant localized swelling

Well defined margin

Caused by subperiosteal hemorrhage

Appears after birth

Increases in size after birth

Swelling does not cross suture lines

Disappears after several weeks

Complications are common like- Underlying skull fractures, intracranial bleeds, jaundice