MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Fetal head molding

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Fetal head molding

During a head first birth, pressure on the head caused by the tight birth canal may "mold" the head into an oblong rather than round shape. This is a common occurrence that usually disappears after a few days.

Update Date: 11/18/2005

Updated by: John Goldenring, MD, MPH, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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