Comparison of facial features in fetuses and newborns following natural delivery with cephalic presentation: a pilot study

Introduction Malocclusions are usually diagnosed around 3–4 years of age according to specific criteria. The purpose of this protocol is to validate a method to understand how the type of delivery can influence the development of malocclusions. Materials and Methods This pilot study, conducted at the Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milan, evaluated the relationship between the type of delivery, fetal presentation, and the presence of malocclusions in children. The sample included 5 healthy term newborns, all born to healthy mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies by vaginal delivery. Measurements were taken, via ultrasound, at the 37th week of gestation (T0) and on the second day of life (T1), using a craniometer, caliper and goniometer, including head circumference, lower facial angle, frontonasal angle, labial fissure length, and interpupillary distance. Results The collected data show significant variations in some measurements between T0 and T1. Statistical analysis, conducted using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, indicated marginally significant differences for some measurements like the lower facial angle that showed a mean variation of -0.4°, while the interpupillary distance increased by 2.3 cm. However, no definitive correlation was found between the type of delivery and the presence of facial asymmetries. Discussion and Conclusions The results suggest that further research is necessary to better understand the influence of delivery and fetal presentation on the development of malocclusions. This study represents an important first step, highlighting the need for larger samples and more in-depth investigation methods to obtain more conclusive results.