Vernix caseosa is a waxy coating that protects the fetus from amniotic fluid and has antibacterial properties. It can be removed after birth, but some parents choose to leave it on to provide extra protection for their newborn’s skin.
Vernix, also known as vernix caseosa, is a waxy coating that develops on the skin of fetuses, starting around the 20th week of pregnancy. The level of this waxy coating decreases over the course of pregnancy, with full-term babies typically having very little varnish, while premature babies may have a thicker layer of this white, waxy substance. Many people remove the varnish shortly after birth while cleaning and bathing the baby, while others advocate leaving it in place.
This substance consists mainly of sebum, which is secreted by the glands of the fetus. It is believed to protect the developing fetus from amniotic fluid, acting as a moisturizer to prevent skin damage; anyone who has spent a lot of time in a bath or pool has noticed what can happen to skin when exposed to prolonged humidity. This substance also appears to have antibacterial properties that can reduce susceptibility to infection, which is why some parents prefer to leave it in place to provide extra protection soon after birth. The moisturizing properties of the liner can also help prevent your baby’s skin from drying out and cracking.
Vernix can have a waxy to cheesy texture, and is typically white, although it may be streaked with calving fluids which cause it to become discolored. Different babies can be born with varying amounts of this substance on their bodies, and higher or lower levels are not a cause for concern. People usually bathe their newborn because they are concerned about cleanliness and because they want to avoid getting birth fluids on clothes and blankets.
Parents are sometimes unprepared for the appearance of varnish paint and it can surprise them. Other things that may surprise new parents include the deformation of the facial features, caused by the passage through the vagina, and the appearance of bruises on the baby’s body. All of these things will naturally resolve within hours or days of being born, although they can be a bit alarming for those who have never seen a newborn before.
For parents who choose to leave the liner on, it will eventually get absorbed into the skin or dry out and flake off over time. Parents may also decide to massage the substance lightly into the skin, providing the child with skin-to-skin contact and preserving the moisturizing properties of the paint. However, no harm will be done to a child by washing or wiping the substance off.
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