I’m 15 weeks and my skin looks like it’s getting worse. Is anyone else experiencing this?
WeMoms
2 Apr 2024
W13-15: Your Baby’s Skin is Changing
W13-15: Your Baby's Skin is Changing
During weeks 13 to 15 of your pregnancy, your little one is undergoing some fabulous skin transformations.
The most notable is the development of Vernix Caseosa, a waxy, cheese-like substance that coats your baby’s skin. You could think of it as your baby's first moisturizer!
This layer serves as a multi-purpose barrier, protecting your baby from the amniotic fluid surrounding them.
Without this layer, your baby would come out looking like a wrinkled prune!
- Protection: The Vernix Caseosa provides a protective shield against chafing and abrasion from the surrounding amniotic fluid.
- Immunity: It also contains antimicrobial proteins, which help protect against bacterial infections.
- Temperature Control: Believe it or not, this coating also helps in thermoregulation, maintaining your baby's body temperature.
Lanugo: Your Baby’s First Fuzzy Coat
By this stage, another remarkable thing happens: your baby starts to grow Lanugo, a fine layer of soft, downy hair.
This isn't your typical baby fuzz; it serves very specific purposes.
First, it helps to anchor that marvelous Vernix Caseosa to the skin. Second, it's a cozy blanket that adds an extra layer of insulation.
- Temporary: Don't worry, your baby won't come out looking like a werewolf! Most babies shed their Lanugo before or shortly after birth.
- Survival Instinct: The growth of Lanugo is an evolutionary adaptation that helps your baby regulate body temperature.
- Unique Pattern: The distribution of Lanugo varies from baby to baby, which means each little one has their own unique pattern of this fluffy coat!
Melanocytes: Baby's First Steps to Unique Skin Tone
Now let’s get a bit science-y!
The melanocytes are starting to become active in your baby’s skin.
Melanocytes are cells responsible for the pigmentation of the skin, hair, and eyes.
Depending on the genetic mix between you and your partner, these cells will produce varying amounts of melanin, determining your baby’s eventual skin tone.
- Genetic Roulette: The amount and type of melanin produced is a genetic lottery influenced by both parents.
- Early Days: While melanocytes are becoming active now, your baby's final skin tone may not be evident until several months or even years after birth.
- Sun Protection: Melanin is also nature’s sunscreen, offering some protection against UV rays.
So, while you're daydreaming about holding your newborn, know that they're already undergoing these incredible skin transformations.
Isn't the journey of pregnancy just amazing?
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Macayla
19 Dec 2022
Skin to skin… my baby boy is 3 months tomorrow and I’m regretting not doing more skin to skin…. Is it too late for the benefits???
Danielle 🦦🪷
I don’t think it’s ever really too late to start. Especially when they’re still in the cuddly stage
27 Mar 2024
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9etherBeing❤️
I agree with Elizabeth
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ada
30 Jul 2022
Am I the only one that her skin is changing colour already, around my boots and neck is getting dark
🐼 🎀 𝒞𝒮 🎀 🐼
My nipples are getting dark
27 Mar 2024
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