Iatrogenic injury apparent in the newborn may be due to procedures performed in utero. Amniocentesis is the most common technique used to diagnose genetic disorders prenatally. The incidence of complications is very low but can include depressed, dimple-like lesions that are generally less than 5 mm in diameter but can be as large as 12 mm. Linear lesions have also been described. The most common locations are the extremities, followed by the head, neck, and chest. Although these injuries happen in utero, they are often not noted for several weeks to months after birth.

Intrauterine fetal heart rate monitoring via a spiral electrode can result in minor lacerations, ulcerations, scalp abscesses, and very rarely, herpetic infections. Scalp abscesses are erythematous, indurated masses that can be fluctuant. They can present at birth or as late as 3 weeks. Lymphadenopathy may be present. The abscesses are usually polymicrobial.