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Overview
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Newborn head molding
Alternative names:
molding of the newborn's head; newborn cranial deformation
Information:
Definition:
Abnormal cranial appearance resulting from pressure on the head during a vertex (head first) delivery.
Compared to an adult, a newborn's head is large in proportion to the rest of the body, usually about 1/4 of the body surface area. The bones of the skull are soft and pliable with gaps between the plates of bone. These gaps close as the bones grow and the size of the brain becomes permanent. Once they close they are called cranial sutures. There are two gaps that are particularly large, the anterior and posterior fontanels. These are the soft spots you can feel when touching your baby's head.
During a vertex birth there are varying amounts of pressure on the fetal head. Depending on the amount and duration of pressure, the skull bones mold to the shape of the delivery canal. The bones may even overlap with sufficient pressure and time. This asymmetry is called molding. It is typically a source of much concern for new parents, but it is a common occurrence that usually disappears after a few days.
If your baby is born breech, with delivery through cesarean section, the head is usually round and otherwise well shaped.
Extreme peculiarities in size may be caused by:- microcephaly
- hydrocephalus
- craniostenosis (premature closure of the cranial sutures)
- plagiocephaly (asymmetry resulting from cranial pressure while in the womb)
Other conditions that may result in an abnormally shaped head include:
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The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2000 adam.com, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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