Fetal head asynclitism may affect the progression of labor, increase the need for obstetrical intervention, and be associated with difficult instrumental delivery.
Intrapartum ultrasonography is regularly used during pregnancy to constantly monitor the fetal position within the mother's belly.
[7] Asynclitism is most easily diagnosed during labor when the cervix is opened allowing the orientation of the occiput, the back of the fetal head, to be visually assessed in relation to the mother's pelvis.
It most commonly occurs near the end of the third trimester or during labor, when the fetus becomes more developed and begins moving down the birth canal.
The shape and size of the uterus, the weight of the fetus, pelvic anatomy, and multiparity can contribute to it,[13] and the likelihood of asynclitism increases if the mother has rotated hips.
Situational factors include a short umbilical cord and unevenness of the pregnant person's pelvic floor during contractions, leading to the baby's head tipping to one side.
Complications are associated with procedures such as operational vaginal deliveries (OVD), particularly with the use of vacuum extraction, and caesarean sections (CS).
[17][16] Asynclitic birth can also increase the risk of birth injuries such as brachial plexus injury, in which the nerves responsible for sending signals to the baby's arm are damaged, resulting in temporary or permanent numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in the affected arm.
[18] In rare cases, uncorrected asynclitism can lead to neonatal asphyxia, in which the child does not receive enough oxygen before, during, or just after birth, which can result in temporary or permanent organ damage.
[20] Asynclitism can also affect the development of facial structures and nerves during pregnancy, with lifelong consequences for the child.
[22] However, it is not the primary treatment for asynclitic births, as the effectiveness rate is not very high and vacuum extraction can lead to additional complications.
[24] Facial nerve damage and immobility are permanent consequences from intracranial hemorrhage, leading to a diminished quality of life.
[25] Following any medical procedure to alter the occiput position or any assisted vaginal delivery, monitoring of the neonate is extremely important as intracranial hemorrhages may be imperceptible.
Short and quick breaths synchronized with contractions are commonly suggested by the obstetrician to help with prolonged labor with asynclitism.