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Why are some babies born without a soft spot?
Craniosynostosis is a birth defect in which the bones in a baby’s skull join together too early. This happens before the baby’s brain is fully formed. As the baby’s brain grows, the skull can become more misshapen. The spaces between a typical baby’s skull bones are filled with flexible material and called sutures.
What are the signs of craniosynostosis?
Craniosynostosis Symptoms
- A full or bulging fontanelle (soft spot located on the top of the head)
- Sleepiness (or less alert than usual)
- Very noticeable scalp veins.
- Increased irritability.
- High-pitched cry.
- Poor feeding.
- Projectile vomiting.
- Increasing head circumference.
What is the cause of craniosynostosis?
Syndromic craniosynostosis is caused by certain genetic syndromes, such as Apert syndrome, Pfeiffer syndrome or Crouzon syndrome, which can affect your baby’s skull development. These syndromes usually also include other physical features and health problems.
At what age is craniosynostosis diagnosed?
The earlier you can get a diagnosis—ideally, before the age of 6 months—the more effective treatment can be. Craniosynostosis is a condition in which the sutures in a child’s skull close too early, causing problems with head growth.
Why is the back of my Baby’s Head flat?
A flat area on the back or side of the head is commonly caused by repeated pressure to the same area. This usually happens when a child prefers to lay on his or her head on the same spot, causing the head to be misshapen. Other causes include:
Where are the soft spots on a baby’s head?
You’ll notice two soft areas at the top of your baby’s head where the skull bones haven’t yet grown together. These spots, called fontanels, allow a baby’s relatively large head to move through the narrow birth canal.
Can a baby be born with its head down?
Some babies completely spin to an anterior position during labor while others are born posterior. You may not experience any signs that your baby has flipped into a head-down position. There’s really no easy way to tell just by looking at your bump.
Why does a baby’s head change after birth?
Sometimes a baby’s head is molded unevenly while passing through the birth canal. In other cases, head shape changes after birth as a result of pressure on the back of the head when the baby lies on his or her back. You’ll notice two soft areas at the top of your baby’s head where…