Real Reason Why Some Newborns Are Very Hairy
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Parents are generally a mixed bag of emotions – happiness, relief, nervousness, etc., – once their little bundle of joy enters the world. From being obsessed with their tiny little fingers and toes to admiring the tuft of soft hair, parents just can’t get enough of their newborn. And, so do their near and dears ones. While everyone is busy guessing who the baby resembles the most, parents may often find the little bit of fuzzy hair all over their baby’s body a little puzzling, and funny. This hair is known as lanugo.
In This Article
What Is Lanugo?
During week 14 to 16 of the gestational period, the fetus develops fine hair on the head called lanugo. This hair eventually covers the whole body by week 21. The function of the lanugo is primarily to keep the fetus protected from the amniotic fluid. The cheese-like substance, vernix, prevents your baby’s skin from getting chaffed inside the womb. The lanugo helps keep the vernix in place on your baby’s skin and prevents it from getting washed away by the amniotic fluid. Although it usually disappears before birth, at times it may be present on the newborn’s body post childbirth – especially on shoulders and behind the ears. However, this is nothing to be concerned about. The lanugo will eventually disappear on its own a few weeks after birth (1).
Does Pregnancy Heartburn Cause Hairy Newborns?
Each newborn baby is different. While some babies may be born with fuzzy hair on the head and the body, others may be born with bald patches. If an old wives’ tale is anything to go by, then a baby will be born with more fuzz if the mother happens to experience acid reflux heartburn during her pregnancy. However, before you dismiss it as another myth, you’ll be surprised to know that there might be a grain of truth to it!
A long-term study was conducted on pregnant women who had mild to severe cases of acid reflux heartburn. Around 64 pregnant women rated the severity of their heartburn during pregnancy. This data was then cross-checked by independent coders with the corresponding newborn’s photographs taken immediately after birth. According to the results of the study, women who experienced regular bouts of heartburn gave birth to babies who had substantial amounts of hair on their heads, or even body, after birth. These hair were, at times, even detected during an ultrasound. On the other hand, women who did not report any heartburn during their gestation period gave birth to babies with less than average or no hair at all (2).
How To Treat Pregnancy Heartburn At Home?
Pregnant women often experience acid reflux apart from nausea and vomiting. This is due to the reduced pressure in the lower esophageal sphincter caused by the increase of the progesterone and estrogen hormones during pregnancy (3). While you may not have a say in how much hair your newborn will be born with, you could still follow a few tips to help relieve the heartburn symptoms for yourself. Here is what you can do:
- Eat small portions of meals throughout the day instead of having them at one go.
- Avoid sudden or strenuous movements like bending, lying down or doing household chores immediately after your meal.
- Cut down on excessive salt intake as well as spicy, sour, sweet, or bitter foods.
- Include foods that have an alkalizing effect like avocados, herbal teas, almonds, green leafy vegetables, or yogurt.
- If need be, check with your doctor and keep those mild, chewable antacids with you to help you with your condition.
Although there is a study which relates newborn hair to pregnancy heartburn, it does not necessarily mean that it is the sole reason for your baby’s hair growth. Factors like estrogen levels, stress, and your diet can also play a key role. Therefore, it is imperative that you take good care of yourself during pregnancy and not fret too much about the superficial effects. If you have any questions or concerns, it is always better to discuss them with your doctor. In the meantime, eat healthy, relax, and be happy. And don’t let a bunch of minuscule hair come in the way of you discovering the joy of childbirth!
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