vernix
Newborn skin layer
Vernix is the waxy, cheese-like coating that covers a newborn's skin at birth.
Formally called vernix caseosa, it protects the fetus from the amniotic fluid during pregnancy and helps regulate temperature after delivery.
Medical staff may leave it on briefly for its moisturizing properties: The baby still had patches of vernix behind her ears.
Of the embryo's sac
- neonateInfant under 28 days
- deliveryConveyance of goods
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- newbornInfant just delivered
umbilical · placenta · midwife · doula · contractions · birthing · cesarean · postpartum
Carrying offspring in womb
- amnioticOf the embryo's sac
- trimesterThirteen-week span
- prenatalBefore birth
- sebaceousOil-secreting, of skin
lanugo · development · ultrasound · womb · fetus · perinatal · surfactant · maturation
Resembling paraffin's texture
- sebumNatural skin lubricant
- lipidWater-insoluble organic compound
- cheesyCheap and insincere
- creamySmooth and rich
greasy · whitish · biofilm · secretion · fatty · slippery · residue
Kills or inhibits germs
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
- moisturizingAdding water to skin
antibodies · immunity · thermoregulation · colonization · hydration · insulation · coating · emollient
Care of newborn infants
- obstetricsChildbirth medicine branch
- pediatricsMedicine for minors
- prematureOccurring before expected
- incubatorControlled warming enclosure
neonatal · NICU · preterm · clinical · assessment · absorption · residue
amniotic
Of the embryo's sac
newborn · umbilical · placenta · midwife · doula · contractions · birthing · cesarean · postpartum · lanugo
gestation
Carrying offspring in womb
sebaceous · lanugo · development · ultrasound · womb · fetus · perinatal · surfactant · maturation
waxy
Resembling paraffin's texture
creamy · greasy · whitish · biofilm · secretion · fatty · slippery · residue
antimicrobial
Kills or inhibits germs
- barrierObstruction preventing passage
- lubricationCoating to reduce friction
- waterproofingMaking impervious to moisture
moisturizing · antibodies · immunity · thermoregulation · colonization · hydration · insulation · coating · emollient
neonatology
Care of newborn infants
- obstetricsChildbirth medicine branch
- pediatricsMedicine for minors
- prematureOccurring before expected
incubator · neonatal · NICU · preterm · clinical · assessment · absorption · residue
vernixafterbirth
Expelled fetal membranes
placenta · meconium · amniotic fluid · umbilical cord · colostrum