Lanugo

Definition

Lanugo is a fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus during its development in the womb. This hair serves several purposes, including providing insulation and protecting the skin as it develops. Lanugo typically appears around the 16th week of pregnancy and is usually shed before birth, although some infants may still have it at birth.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lanugo is most commonly seen between weeks 16 and 20 of pregnancy and is generally fully developed by the third trimester.
2. The presence of lanugo can be a sign of prematurity; preterm infants are more likely to have lanugo at birth due to less time for shedding.
3. Lanugo helps to anchor the vernix caseosa on the skin, which protects fetal skin from amniotic fluid exposure.
4. Typically, lanugo starts to disappear around the 28th week of pregnancy, though some may remain on the infant's body at birth.
5. In most cases, lanugo is not a cause for concern and will fall out naturally within a few weeks after birth.

Review Questions

• What role does lanugo play in fetal development and how does it contribute to skin protection?
  • Lanugo plays a crucial role in fetal development by providing a layer of insulation that helps regulate body temperature and protect the skin from exposure to amniotic fluid. This fine hair also serves to hold vernix caseosa against the skin, which protects against infection and aids in hydration. By covering the fetus during critical growth stages, lanugo ensures that the developing skin remains intact and healthy.
• Discuss how the presence or absence of lanugo at birth can indicate gestational age and potential health outcomes for infants.
  • The presence of lanugo at birth often indicates that an infant may be preterm, as it typically sheds closer to term. If a newborn has significant lanugo, it may suggest that they were born before 37 weeks of gestation. In such cases, healthcare providers may monitor for other signs of prematurity-related health concerns, as these infants may also face challenges related to lung development or feeding. Thus, lanugo can provide valuable information regarding an infant's gestational age and overall well-being.
• Evaluate the implications of lanugo in understanding fetal health and development as well as potential issues in preterm births.
  • Understanding lanugo's presence helps clinicians assess fetal health by indicating developmental timelines and possible complications. For example, if lanugo is found on a preterm infant, it suggests that the fetus had less time to develop fully, leading to potential issues like respiratory distress or feeding difficulties. By evaluating lanugo alongside other indicators, healthcare professionals can develop appropriate care strategies tailored to preterm infants. This knowledge is essential for ensuring better health outcomes and addressing specific needs associated with prematurity.

Related terms

Vernix Caseosa: A white, cheese-like substance that coats and protects the skin of a fetus during pregnancy, aiding in hydration and acting as a barrier against infection.

Fetal Development: The process by which a fetus grows and develops inside the uterus, involving complex changes in physical and physiological characteristics.

Preterm Birth: Birth that occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, often leading to complications such as the presence of lanugo in infants who may not have shed it yet.