Will My Baby Have a Cone-Shaped Head at Birth? | Understanding Moulding and Head Shape

Will My Baby Have a Cone-Shaped Head at Birth? When Will This Go Away?

When preparing for childbirth, expectant parents often have a variety of questions about what their newborn might look like. One common concern is the appearance of a baby’s head, particularly whether it will be cone-shaped after birth. This temporary change in shape is a normal and natural part of the delivery process, but many parents are unsure of why it happens and when it will resolve. In this Antenatals article, we’ll explore the reasons behind a cone-shaped head at birth, how it fits into the broader context of antenatal care, and what you can expect as your baby’s head gradually returns to its normal shape.

A cone-shaped head, medically known as moulding, is a common and harmless feature seen in many newborns. It happens when the soft, flexible bones of a baby’s skull overlap during birth. The skull is not a rigid structure at birth, but rather consists of several plates of bone that are separated by sutures (soft spots). This flexibility allows the baby to pass through the birth canal more easily.

During vaginal delivery, especially if the baby’s head needs to make a bit of an adjustment to fit through the birth canal, the bones of the skull will press against each other, resulting in a temporarily elongated or cone-shaped appearance. This phenomenon typically occurs in babies born head-first, which is the most common presentation, and it is usually more pronounced during the delivery of a first baby, as the mother’s body is adjusting to the process of labour.

While it can be concerning for new parents to see their baby with a pointy head, it is important to note that this is entirely normal and will usually correct itself within a few days or weeks after birth.

Why Does Moulding Happen?

The process of moulding is directly related to the physical pressure exerted on the baby’s head during labour. As the baby moves through the birth canal, the pressure of the uterine walls and the maternal pelvis compress the skull. The soft sutures between the bones of the baby’s skull allow for flexibility, which facilitates the baby’s passage through the birth canal.

Here are the main reasons moulding occurs:

The size of the baby’s head: Larger babies or those with a larger head circumference may experience more pressure during delivery, leading to more pronounced moulding.

Duration of labour: Longer labours or those that involve the baby’s head being stationary for a prolonged period can contribute to more moulding.

Use of forceps or a vacuum during delivery: These tools can help guide the baby out of the birth canal, but they can also cause some temporary pressure on the skull.

Positioning during delivery: Babies who are in a less optimal position, such as posterior (facing up) or tilted, may experience more pressure on the head, resulting in moulding.

Though moulding is a natural process, it is a good idea to follow antenatal care closely, particularly during labour. Having a good understanding of your baby’s position and your birth plan is essential, as this will influence the delivery and any potential interventions that might be needed.

How Long Does the Cone-Shaped Head Last?

In most cases, the cone-shaped head will not last long. The bones of the skull are soft and flexible, which allows them to gradually reshape after birth. The degree to which the head will return to a more rounded form depends on the extent of the moulding and the baby’s overall development. In general, the following timeline can be expected:

First 24 to 48 hours: Most babies will appear with a somewhat pointed or elongated head immediately after birth. This is particularly common for babies who had a longer or more difficult delivery.

First week: By the end of the first week, the head will often begin to round out as the bones of the skull start to settle into their normal shape.

First 3 weeks: Most babies will have a completely rounded head within the first three weeks. However, some babies may take a little longer for the soft spots to close and the skull to fully reshape.

By 6 weeks: In the majority of cases, the skull will have reshaped by the time the baby reaches 6 weeks old. However, there may still be some subtle changes in shape as the bones continue to adjust during the first few months of life.

If you’re concerned about the shape of your baby’s head, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. They will likely reassure you that moulding is a normal process and may monitor your baby’s development during routine antenatal and postnatal checkups.

What Should You Do if You’re Concerned About Your Baby’s Head Shape?

Most babies will recover from moulding without the need for any medical intervention. However, if the shape of your baby’s head does not seem to improve within a few weeks, or if the baby develops a noticeable flat spot (known as positional plagiocephaly), you may want to consult with a paediatrician or a healthcare professional at your antenatal clinic.

In some cases, if the flattening of the head persists, special measures may be taken to help encourage the skull to round out. These might include:

Repositioning techniques: Encouraging your baby to spend time on their tummy (tummy time) while awake can help strengthen their neck muscles and reduce the risk of flat spots.

Helmet therapy: In rare cases, a paediatrician might recommend the use of a custom-made helmet to help correct the shape of the baby’s skull, but this is typically only necessary for severe cases.

Antenatal Care and Preparation for Birth

Understanding the process of moulding and how it might affect your baby’s head can help you feel more prepared for the birth experience. As part of your antenatal care, it’s important to attend all scheduled antenatal appointments to ensure that both you and your baby are in good health. These appointments typically involve:

Antenatal scans: Routine scans during pregnancy help monitor your baby’s growth and position, ensuring that any potential issues are identified early.

Prenatal care and vitamins: Maintaining proper prenatal care, including taking antenatal vitamins, can ensure your baby is developing well and that your body is prepared for the stresses of labour.

Antenatal yoga and fitness: Many expecting parents find that yoga during pregnancy, particularly antenatal yoga classes, can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility, which might assist with the positioning of the baby during labour.

Regular checkups and assessments: Throughout your pregnancy, your antenatal clinic will provide assessments to monitor the health of both you and your baby, including checking for issues such as breech positions, fetal growth, and overall well-being.

If you are concerned about any aspects of your pregnancy, including your baby’s position or head shape, it’s important to raise these concerns during your antenatal checkups. Your healthcare provider can provide guidance and support based on your individual circumstances.

Is It Something to Worry About?

A cone-shaped head in newborns is a temporary and completely normal condition that typically resolves on its own within a few weeks. It is caused by the natural process of moulding during the birth process, where the baby’s soft skull bones overlap to help them fit through the birth canal. While it may look unusual initially, this shape will gradually improve as your baby’s skull settles into its natural shape.

As part of your antenatal care, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider, who can offer advice and reassurance. Most importantly, rest assured that this temporary change in your baby’s appearance is part of the journey of childbirth and typically resolves without intervention.