What is vernix caseosa?

The benefits of fetal sebum during and after pregnancy

Photos of babies with fetal sebum

What is vernix caseosa?

The vernix caseosa is a protective layer on the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin. It is white in color, and its texture resembles that of soft cheese. Fetal sebum develops while the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 is still in the womb for this, and pieces of it remain attached to the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin after 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡.

But what does fetal sebum do, and why is it there? First, it is important to understand the environment of the womb, where the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 is growing. For 40 weeks, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid, and fetal sebum protects the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s delicate skin from it. Also, the vernix caseosa, contributes to the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin being smooth and soft after 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 and also protects it from infections in the womb.

The amount of fetal sebum decreases as the time of delivery approaches, and it is perfectly normal for some amount of vernix caseosa to be found in the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 even after delivery. Accordingly, babies who are 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 prematurely are likely to have even more, while finally, babies who are 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 much later are likely to have none at all.

The benefits of fetal sebum during and after pregnancy

The benefits of vernix caseosa are not limited to pregnancy. Fetal sebum benefits the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 during and after 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡. No matter how much or how little sebum the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 is 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 with, try to keep it on the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin as much as possible.

Fetal sebum has antibacterial properties

New𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧s have sensitive immune systems, which means they are prone to disease. Breastfeeding is one way to strengthen the new𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧’s immunity, but it is not the only one. Vernix caseosa also protects the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 from infections after 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, and this is because it contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

It helps the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 pass through the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 canal

During 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, this layer that covers the skin on the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s body and head facilitates the whole process due to its texture.

It helps the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 maintain a constant body temperature

During pregnancy, the expectant mother’s body plays a crucial role in regulating the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s body temperature, and after delivery, it takes time for the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 to be able to do this on its own. Fetal sebum has this role as well, as it stabilizes the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s body temperature.

Moisturizes the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin

Fetal sebum also moisturizes the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦’s skin and makes it softer after 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 while protecting it from dryness.

Photos of babies with fetal sebum

Birth photos have become very popular in recent years, and many couples are hiring professional photographers to capture the special moments of 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡. Among the must-have photos are the ones with babies seconds after their 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, while they still have the fetal sebum.