Vernix caseosa
🔶Vernix caseosa: is a protective layer on newborn's skin. it appears as a white, cheese-like substance and it is develops on the baby's skin while in uterus (womb) during last trimester of pregnancy. mostly people bathing the baby right after delivery but unfortunately they are wrong because of benefits of this layer reviled when we don't wash it for certain amount of time, let's know some benefits of this protective layer below: 🔸During transition from intra-uterine to extra-uterine life: 1️⃣If baby swallowed the vernix that present in amniotic fluid then it will make process of developing gastrointestinal microbiota quick and it will nourish intestines especially during rapid proliferating of their cells. 2️⃣Facilitating epidermal growth underneath it and act as a hydrophobic barrier against amniotic fluid maceration (same thing that happen if you swim or bath for long amount of time, let's not forgert that babies in this condition for 9 months) and loss of fluids and electrolytes. 3️⃣Act as a lubricant during delivery and provide antimicrobial cover for baby against rich bacterial environment of mother's genital tract. 🔸After delivery: 1️⃣Regulation of body temperature and prevent heat loss. 2️⃣Skin surface adaptation after birth: provide more hydrated skin and higher moisture accumulation rete and higher baseline hydration. 3️⃣Antioxidant properties: presence of Vitamin E and melanin in it. 4️⃣Anti-infective property: act as a mechanical barrier against harmful microbes and prevent invasion. 5️⃣Moisturising properties: because of its high water content and water-proofing property in uterus (womb). 6️⃣Wound healing properties 🔸So after knowing these benefits WHO recommend to delay bathing baby for 24 hours but if culture not allowed at least delay it for 6 hours. 🔸You may ask if bathing must be delayed how cleaning of baby possible before 24 hours? it is easy just clean the skin gently by two clean towel (medical ones better) one for body and one for head and hair without rubbing vernix caseosa or rough cleaning that harm baby's skin. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reference: 1)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/ 2)https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/vernix-caseosa 3)https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/newborns/vernix-caseosa/
