Which characteristic is expected in a normal head assessment of a newborn?

In a normal head assessment of a newborn, one of the expected characteristics is having a symmetric head shape without molding. This indicates proper development of the skull and suggests that there have not been any significant complications during delivery that might have led to an abnormal shape.

Molding, which is the deformation of the skull that can occur during delivery due to pressure exerted during labor, is commonly observed, particularly in vaginal births. However, in a normal assessment, one would expect the head to be symmetric without signs of molding. This symmetry indicates that the bones of the skull have not been overly compressed during delivery and that the newborn’s head is transitioning well postnatally.

While caput succedaneum is a common condition that can be seen in newborns, characterized by swelling of the soft tissues of the head due to the pressure exerted during delivery, it is not necessarily a characteristic of a "normal" head assessment if it persists or is significant. A small head size compared to the body might indicate other concerns, such as microcephaly, while a flat cranial contour is not typical and could suggest issues with cranial development or pressure. Thus, the presence of a symmetric head shape without molding is the defining feature to expect in a normal