A newborn in Bocaue, Bulacan, recently captured the attention of social media users due to the unusual appearance of its head, which appeared elongated and swollen shortly after birth.
Midwife Jerry Dococus explained that the baby's mother experienced difficulty during labor, resulting in the baby's head taking on an abnormal shape.
The patient had been pushing for 30 minutes because she did not know how to push properly. Her pushing was not consistent. She would push and then stop.
Jerry Dococus, Midwife
Dococus reassured the mother that the shape would normalize over time. After just 24 hours, the baby's head had returned to its typical form.
This condition is known as Caput Succedaneum, a common occurrence where pressure during delivery causes swelling on the scalp.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Maria Maricar Manuel elaborated on the soft structure of newborn skulls, which allows them to adapt during birth.
We call it a soft skull, and there are gaps in it. The bones have not yet fully fused together. This allows the skull to accommodate the baby during delivery.
Dr. Maria Maricar Manuel, Obstetrician-Gynecologist
- The skull's flexibility accommodates rapid brain growth in the first year.
- Fontanelles, or soft spots, allow the skull to adapt during childbirth.
Caput Succedaneum is specifically linked to prolonged pressure in the birth canal, not an indication of brain swelling. This natural molding helps facilitate delivery.
Parents concerned about their newborn's head shape can take comfort in knowing that such occurrences are typical and resolve quickly.