Most women will agree that one of the most beautiful scenes in their lives would be the sight of their newborn baby. As soon as they lay their eyes on them, all the pain of labor and delivery goes away. You might notice your baby covered with a patchy, thick whitish layer. This layer is called Vernix Caseosa.
You may wonder what this layer is and whether to clean it off right away or leave it there. This waxy layer, vernix caseosa, is beneficial for your bundle of joy. It looks like a cheese-like substance, which is how it derived its name. It means “ varnish of a cheesy nature.” Read more about this layer and its importance for your newborn.
What is Vernix Caseosa?
Vernix caseosa is a protective layer on your baby’s skin and appears like a white cheesy substance. The coating starts building up on your newborn’s skin in the womb (1). This greasy layer contains water, lipids and proteins. This layer is known to have certain antibacterial properties and contains a few enzymes too (2).
It starts forming on the baby’s skin during the last trimester, basically around the same time when the baby’s sebaceous glands start to form. The sebaceous glands are responsible for producing oil in the skin.
The amount of vernix caseosa on your baby’s skin starts decreasing as the full term approaches.
Benefits of Vernix Caseosa For The Baby
The cheesy layer benefits the baby in the womb and during and after the delivery.
Benefits of Vernix Caseosa in The Womb
The benefits of vernix caseosa (4) in the womb are
1. Protection
This layer protects the fetus from the damaging substances in the amniotic fluid, like urea.
2. Thermoregulation
Vernix caseosa help regulate a fetus’ temperature in the mother’s womb.
3. Lubrication
During normal vaginal delivery, it helps in lubricating the birth canal for an easy delivery.
Benefits of Vernix Caseosa After Birth
The benefits of vernix caseosa after birth (5) include
1. Anti-bacterial Properties
This layer has antibacterial properties that protect the newborn from various skin infections shortly after birth.
2. Moisturisation
It acts as a natural moisturizer and helps prevent the skin from getting dry. It has a higher water content that helps in locking in the moisture.
3. Antioxidant Properties
This layer also contains various antioxidants like vitamin E and melanin, which help prevent cell damage and oxidative damage.
Role of Vernix Caseosa in Newborns
The cheesy white layer of vernix caseosa serves various roles (2A) (3).
1. This layer helps the newborn skin adapt to the extrauterine environment.
2. It is an effective moisturizer with anti-infection and antioxidant properties.
3. This is a waterproof layer that also helps in wound healing.
4. The color of vernix at birth helps determine various pathologies. A yellowish-brown or green tinge of vernix indicates that the baby has passed meconium (first poop) in the womb. A yellowish color may indicate hemolytic disease.
How is Vernix Caseosa Formed And What is it Made of?
The production of vernix caseosa begins around the 21st week of gestation, during the phase of epidermal development. The periderm cell of the baby mixes with the secretions from the sebaceous glands to form this waxy layer of vernix (1A).
This layer consists of about 80% water, 10 % proteins, and 10% lipids (2B).
The lipids forming the layer include cholesterol, fatty acids, triglycerides, waxes and phospholipids.
A few studies suggest that it also contains various antimicrobial peptides and lipids having natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
How Long Can You Leave Vernix Caseosa on The Baby?
Earlier, little was known about the benefits of vernix caseosa for the baby. So, newborn babies were bathed quite early after the delivery. Nowadays, it is common to delay the baby’s first bath and keep this layer on for a little longer.
Research studies suggest waiting at least six hours after birth or up to 24 hours before bathing the baby (6).
You can always discuss this with your baby’s pediatrician for the right suggestions.
A few more reasons to delay bath (7)include.
- Vernix on the skin helps prevent dry skin and keeps the newborn skin moisturized and hydrated.
- It helps in keeping the newborn baby warm after birth. An early birth might lead to hypothermia.
- It allows more time for skin-to-skin contact. This helps in bonding between the mother and the baby. This golden hour can also help initiate early breastfeeding.
Are There Any Risks of Leaving Vernix Caseosa For Long?
There is usually no harm in keeping the vernix on your baby for a little more. However, there are a few exceptions. For example, babies born with meconium staining must be bathed as early as possible. Chorioamnionitis is an exception too. Early bathing is advisable in such circumstances to avoid the risk of bacterial infection. Also, babies born to mothers with HIV or hepatitis must also be bathed as soon as possible to avoid the risk of transmission.
Vernix caseosa is an important layer for babies. Hence delayed bathing post delivery is getting more prominence. The layer may not be very pleasing to the eyes but the benefits outweigh the appearance.
You can always talk to your doctor and nurse about the plan after delivery. A cute photoshoot of your little wonder can wait for a day or two.
FAQ’s
1. Why Did my Baby Have so Much Vernix?
Usually, the amount of vernix decreases as the baby gets closer to the due date. So, babies born prematurely tend to have more vernix caseosa in comparison to full-term babies.
2. Does Baby Vernix Smell?
Immediately after birth, the vernix does not smell, but it can start getting smelly if there is a delay in bathing for 1-2 days.
3. Does Vernix Caseosa Prevent Infection?
Yes, vernix caseosa acts as a protective shield against various microbes. This cover helps prevent certain bacterial and fungal infections that the baby can contract from the birth passage.
4. Can Babies be Born Without Vernix Caseosa?
Babies who are born prematurely with very low birth weight of around less than 1000 grams lack the protective biofilm of vernix. This is due to less time available to produce it. Sometimes babies who are born post their due date also lack vernix as it already starts breaking down.
References
- Singh G, Archana G. Unraveling the mystery of vernix caseosa. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(2):54-60. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763724/
- Nishijima, K., Yoneda, M., Hirai, T., Takakuwa, K., & Enomoto, T. (2019). Biology of the vernix caseosa: A review. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 45(11), 2145-2149.– https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jog.14103
- Marty Visscher, Vivek Narendran, Vernix Caseosa: Formation and Functions, Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews, Volume 14, Issue 4, 2014, Pages 142-146 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1527336914000919
- Nishijima, Koji & Yoneda, Makoto & Hirai, Takayoshi & Takakuwa, Koichi & Enomoto, Takayuki. (2019). Biology of the vernix caseosa: A review. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. 45. 10.1111/jog.14103. – https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335742190_Biology_of_the_vernix_caseosa_A_review
- Visscher, M., Narendran, V., Pickens, W. et al. Vernix Caseosa in Neonatal Adaptation. J Perinatol 25, 440–446 (2005). – https://www.nature.com/articles/7211305
- TPriyadarshi M, Balachander B, Gupta S, Sankar MJ. Timing of first bath in term healthy newborns: A systematic review. J Glob Health. 2022 Aug 17;12:12004. doi: 10.7189/jogh.12.12004. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9380966/
- Elizabeth Smith and Terriann Shell, Delayed Bathing, ICEA Position, International Childbirth Education Association. – https://icea.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ICEA-Position-Paper-Delayed-Bathing.pdf
