Vernix - Hold that bath!

Newborn babies are dirty business and believe it or not that white substance on newborn babies is good for them and shouldn’t be washed away!

Here are 15 things you might not already know about vernix: 
  1. The formal name is Vernix Caseous. Vernix means varnish and caseous means cheese-like.
  2. It is a naturally occurring biofilm made in the last trimester of pregnancy. 
  3. The first mention of vernix was in the Dunglison dictionary of Medical Sciences in 1846. 1846. Can you believe that? And here we think we are on to something new these days.  
  4. Vernix is unique to humans. 
  5. At the time of birth, vernix might cover the entire body of an infant or it might only be found in the body folds of the baby.
  6. Vernix might take on a more yellow, green or brown colour instead of the typical white colour. These colours might reflect intrauterine problems or fetal distress. 
  7. Vernix is 80% water and 20% lipids and proteins. 
  8. Vernix, combined with amniotic fluid, is swallowed by the fetus in utero & has a positive impact on gut development. 
  9. Vernix acts like lubricate of the infant during delivery. 
  10. Vernix is antimicrobial. It is an antimicrobial agent that protects against the bacteria filled environment of the mothers vaginal area. It provides an acidic environment on the skin which is believed to inhibit the growth of problematic bacteria. 
  11. Vernix acts an insulator post delivery as the baby transitions into the outside world and helps babies regulate temperature. (This can continue for up to 5 days if left on the infant.)
  12. Vernix is a great moisturizer and has amazing wound healing properties (studies are being done on burn injuries).   
  13. Vernix is believed to have antioxidant properties, which helps aids against the stressors of birth. 
  14. Vernix blocks out meconium contamination of amniotic fluid. 
  15. The National Association of Neonatal Nursing (NANN) and the Association of Women's Health Obstetrical and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) released a consensus statement that states “removal of all vernix is not necessary for hygienic reasons” and “vernix may provide antibacterial promotion and wound healing”. The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends leaving vernix intact on the skin surface after birth.​​