A baby's skull is designed in such a way that it allows for rapid growth of the brain…

A baby's skull is designed in such a way that it allows for rapid growth of the brain during pregnancy, and so that it can withstand birth.

The position of the baby in the uterus can be deterimed sometimes during a vaginal examination if the suture lines can be felt.

Sutures allow the bones to move during the birth process. They act like an expansion joint. This allows the bone to enlarge evenly as the brain grows and the skull expands. The result is a symmetrically shaped head.

You may have seen images of newborns with 'cone' appearance or mishapen heads, this is due to a process called molding. The bones in the skull which are not yet fused so they shift to allow it to travel down through the pelvis and vagina. Newborns born vaginally will regain a more rounded shaped head very quickly after birth, usually within the first day or so.

Babies have two fontanelles (soft spots) on their heads at birth. The posterior one usually closes within a couple of months but the one at the front of the baby's head is usually open for up to 18 months to allow for fast brain growth during this time.

If you look closely at the anterior fontanelle of a newborn, you may even notice it pulsating, have you ever noticed this?

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