Yes, waxing before labor is generally okay and a personal choice for comfort, but it's best done a week or two before your due date, not right before, to avoid irritation, infection risk from open pores, or interference with a potential C-section, and it's wise to skip if you have skin issues or high-risk pregnancy; always consult your doctor if unsure. Healthcare providers don't mind either way, so focus on what makes you feel best, and consider trimming instead of waxing close to delivery for safety.
All we would recommend is that you don't leave your pre birth wax too close to your due date, we've had a few ladies who didn't make it as their bundle of joy came early! Of course you can never really plan for that but we would advise around 1-10 days prior.
Second, yes, you can still bikini or Brazilian wax. However, you may experience more skin sensitivity due to the hormonal changes your body's going through.
For either a vaginal or Caesarean birth, do not shave or wax your abdomen or pubic area for 7 days before your due date or the date of your Caesarean section. Shaving or waxing before you deliver may increase your risk of infection.
Your body will go through a lot of major changes during nine months, both physically and emotionally. The hormonal levels can cause many changes in your body which would want you to steer clear of a few things. But the good news is that waxing is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Many OB/GYNs discourage women from getting a bikini or Brazilian wax close to their baby's due date. During delivery, many women tear vaginally and need stitches. Any hair waxing close to delivery can mean more pain “down there” overall.
Following are some tips to have a less painful wax.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) told us that no midwife would tell or expect a pregnant woman to shave or wax her pubic hair before turning up on the labour ward. If you want to, that's fine; if you don't, that's also fine.
Key Takeaways. Removing hair manually (tweezing, shaving, etc.) is totally safe during pregnancy. While hair removal creams claim to be safe for pregnant women to use, little to no clinical studies have been done, so experts aren't sure. Skip laser treatments, electrolysis, and spironolactone pills.
Safe Hair Removal Options in Pregnancy
Use a stripless hard wax designed for sensitive areas like the bikini line. Avoid formulas with artificial fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals. Ensure the wax temperature is safe — never too hot.
Shaving is a fine solution for quick hair removal, but waxing allows for longer-lasting results, less hair growing back over time, and smoother skin through exfoliation. Both methods can be done at home, but if you're looking to remove hair and not worry about it for weeks at a time, waxing is the better solution.
The 40-day rule after birth, often called confinement or "The Golden Month," is a widespread cultural tradition emphasizing a mother's deep rest, healing, and bonding with her newborn, with family often handling chores and visitors, promoting physical recovery (like stopping bleeding) and mental well-being, rooted in ancient practices from Asia, Latin America, and religious traditions like Judaism and Christianity. Key aspects involve nourishing the mother, sheltering her from stress, and focusing solely on resting and bonding, a stark contrast to Western pressures to "bounce back" quickly.
The "waxing 48-hour rule" means avoiding irritants like sun, sweat, friction, and harsh products for 48 hours after waxing because your pores are open, making skin sensitive to bacteria, UV, and irritation, which helps prevent redness, bumps, and ingrown hairs, allowing skin to calm and heal. This involves skipping hot baths, heavy workouts, tight clothes, and direct sun, while gently moisturizing and starting light exfoliation after this period to maintain smoothness.
It does not matter to us whether you shave or wax. It is absolutely your preference. However, if deemed necessary during birth, we can always do that at the time.
I want to reassure you that removing pubic hair before giving birth is entirely a personal choice, and there's no expectation or requirement for it. Your midwife/doctors focus during labour is on your well-being and your baby's health, not on whether you've chosen to shave or have a hollywood wax.
The Royal College of Midwives will tell you that no midwife would tell or expect a pregnant woman to shave or wax her pubic hair before turning up in the labour ward. If you want to, that's fine; if you don't, that's also fine.
If you can stay calm during the stages of labor, your contractions will be easier to endure. It's a good idea to have someone with you during labor to provide comfort and company. Although it may be difficult to relax, there are ways to help keep yourself calm: If your water has not broken, take a warm bath or shower.
In fact, hospitals used to shave your pubic hair for you—and in some areas, they still do. “Shaving before labour was once thought to reduce infection rates,” says Toronto OB/GYN Dayna Freedman. But medical advice advances with research.
The essential minimum requirements for a safe delivery are the"three cleans"; clean hands, a clean delivery surface, and the clean tying and cutting of the cord. Essential supplies are clean clothes for drying and wrapping the baby, and a sterile instrument for cutting the cord after it has been tied.
These aspects can be remembered using the mnemonic called the 5 P's of Labor that include Power, Passageway, Passenger, Positioning, and Psyche. Being knowledgeable about the 5 P's of labor helps nurses understand the factors that must work together for a successful and safe vaginal birth.
Where is the Most Painful Place to Wax?
The "5 S's" after waxing are common recommendations to avoid for 24-48 hours to prevent irritation and infection: Sun, Sweating, Swimming, Saunas (or heat), and Sex (or friction/tight clothing), with "Synthetics" sometimes replacing Swimming. These activities can open pores, introduce bacteria, or cause friction on newly sensitive skin, leading to redness, bumps, or ingrown hairs, so it's best to let skin heal with loose clothing and calm activities.
Using a mild numbing cream can help you to experience a painless hair removal wax by masking some of the pain. Apply the numbing cream 30 mins before starting the waxing session. Applying ice on your skin before waxing can have the opposite effect of numbing.