Utility of the caput succedaneum in the forensic investigation of neonaticide

Suspicion of neonaticide often leads to a request for a forensic autopsy. In that setting, it is important to correlate autopsy findings with the history given by the mother. So far, caput succedaneum has not raised interest in forensic pathology. A caput succedaneum is a haemorrhagic oedema involving the skin and superficial fascia of the head that results from circulatory stasis caused by compression exerted by the uterus or cervix on the presenting part. It is usually seen with prolonged labour. We report a case of caput succedaneum in a forensic autopsy that overturned the mother's history of giving birth suddenly, consequently increasing the evidence of neonaticide.