During vacuum-assisted delivery, the chignon refers to which structure?
- A A cephalohematoma caused by the cup pressure
- B The edema of the scalp beneath the vacuum cup produced by negative pressure ✓
- C The caput succedaneum-like swelling created by the vacuum cup
- D A subgaleal hemorrhage that may develop after cup detachment
Correct answer: B. The edema of the scalp beneath the vacuum cup produced by negative pressure
Explanation
The chignon is a characteristic localized swelling of the fetal scalp produced by the negative pressure of the vacuum cup — it is an edematous, artifact swelling that arises within the cup area and resolves within 24–48 hours without treatment. It is a normal expected finding after ventouse delivery, not a complication. A cephalohematoma is a subperiosteal blood collection (complication). Subgaleal hemorrhage is a serious rare complication of vacuum delivery, not the chignon itself.
Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.