Vernix caseosa

Peeling Newborn Skin: What Is Normal

Why Newborn Skin Peels Peeling is usually a form of physiologic desquamation, meaning that superficial epidermal cells are shedding as the skin adapts after birth. Before delivery, the fetus is surrounded by amniotic fluid and protected partly by vernix caseosa, a white, waxy substance made of water, lipids, and shed skin cells. After birth, vernix […]

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When to give baby first bath

The usual timing for a first bath For many babies, the first bath is best delayed rather than rushed. The World Health Organization recommends wiping the baby dry and delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours after birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that if a full day is not possible for […]

Baby development month by month during pregnancy

Understanding pregnancy months and gestational age Pregnancy is usually dated from the first day of the last menstrual period, not from the exact day of conception. Because ovulation and fertilization typically occur about two weeks later in a 28-day cycle, a person who is “6 weeks pregnant” may have an embryo that has been developing […]

Baby size and fetal development milestones by trimester

Understanding pregnancy dating and fetal size measurements Pregnancy is usually dated from the first day of the last menstrual period, even though conception typically occurs about two weeks later. This is why a person who is described as 8 weeks pregnant has usually had about 6 weeks of embryonic or fetal growth. Early ultrasound can […]