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Vernix caseosa
Vernix caseosa is the white, wax-like substance that covers the fetus in-utero and usually at birth. However, premature and overdue babies are not usually born covered in vernex caseosa, because premature babies would not yet have developed it and overdue babies would have already fully shed it.
Vernix caseosa is primarily composed of sebum (skin oils), fetal epithelial skin cells, shed lanugo and fatty acids. Many medical professionals and parents have actually likened it to cheese. Sound appetising?
The main functions of the vernix caseosa include:
- moisturising your baby’s skin in-utero,
- easing your baby’s passage through the birth canal,
- conserving heat,
- and possibly even serving as an antibacterial bacteria
Tags: antibacterial, birth, labour, overdue babies, pregnancy, pregnant, premature babies, vernix caseosa