Learning About Subgaleal Hemorrhage (SGH) in Newborns

Subgaleal hemorrhage (SGH) is a rare head injury that can happen during birth. Blood collects in the space between a newborn's skull and the skin on the scalp. The condition can be life-threatening.

It's caused by trauma to the head during delivery. This trauma causes veins to break and blood to collect between the tissues of the skull. The condition happens more often when tools, such as a vacuum extractor or forceps, are used during delivery. But it can also happen during an unassisted vaginal birth.

Your newborn may have:

• Scalp swelling (edema). This may continue for hours or days after delivery.
• A dangerously fast heart rate (tachycardia).
• Pale skin (pallor).

SGH is diagnosed by a physical exam. After your baby is born, the doctor will check your baby's head for any swelling. Imaging tests may be used, including an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of their head.

Treatment may include:

• Watching vital signs and other symptoms. Your baby will be checked every hour at least.
• Blood transfusions. This helps replace blood that was lost from the hemorrhage.
• Surgery. In rare cases, it may be used to drain the collection of blood.

While your baby is being treated, they'll stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). How long your baby needs to stay depends on how bad the bleeding is. They may stay days or weeks.

Your baby will be watched closely while they're in the NICU.

Call a nurse right away if you notice:

• Increased swelling.
• Pale skin (pallor).
• No reaction or response from your baby.