Shaving down there before delivery can actually increase the risk of infection at the time of birth. This is because shaving causes micro abrasions which opens up the skin, allowing for possible infection.
In a video that has more than 3.7 million views on TikTok, Grant Buechner, who is also a registered nurse and lactation consultant, explains that grooming is not recommended beyond 36 weeks gestation. “Shaving pubic hair can INCREASE risk of infection at the time of birth, even with Cesarean birth,” she wrote.
More About Pregnancy Hair and Skin
If you're sitting down, you'll have even more trouble seeing the area and may be more likely to injure yourself. Always use a shaving cream or gel and shave in the direction of the hair growth, rinsing after each swipe with the razor.
“Randomized control trials have shown no decrease in infections with hair removal and, in fact, have shown a slight increase with shaving compared to clipping or waxing before procedures. Hospital infection control doesn't recommend [shaving] at this time.”
It is generally considered to be safe to get a Brazilian wax while pregnant. While your skin may be more sensitive, and you should always tell your technician that you are pregnant, even if you think it's obvious, there is no medical reason to avoid a Brazilian.
Never mind that the Royal College of Midwives has repeatedly stated that there is no need to do so, that no health professional will even notice and that pubic hair will have absolutely no effect on your baby's health. If you need a C-section, they will shave whatever needs to be shaved.
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. But, they added, there's no reason to tidy up down there just for them.
When should pregnant women stop shaving? There is plenty of guidance provided online and by nurses that suggests that pregnant women shouldn't shave beyond 36 weeks gestation. This is because shaving pubic hair can increase the risk of infections during labour.
Pubic or perineal shaving is a procedure performed before birth in order to lessen the risk of infection if there is a spontaneous perineal tear or if an episiotomy is performed.
Shaving pubic hair in the early stages of labour is a standard procedure in most hospitals in India. It is done for both normal deliveries and c-sections. It is thought that shaving the pubic hair makes birth more hygienic and reduces the chances of infection.
The chemicals in permanent and semi-permanent hair dyes are not highly toxic. Most research, although limited, shows it's safe to colour your hair while pregnant.
We've heard that some OBGYNs will advise against shaving or waxing down there for at least 30 days before your due date to avoid the risk of infection. Others have no issue with it, kind of like the whole solids vs. clear liquids during labor debacle. It all depends on your doctor.
It's no longer standard procedure to shave pubic hair, because it could permit unwanted bacteria into the body. (Nor should you shave or wax your own bikini area or abdomen right before a scheduled C-section, also due to the infection risk.)
Prepare your skin
You need to stop shaving or waxing your pubic area or bikini line at least 1 week before your caesarean birth. This reduces the chance of infection.
Midwives don't care if you have shaved or not. In fact, the majority of midwives prefer it if you don't shave in the presence of a midwife. Hair is seen as a natural part of the body and midwives are comfortable with whatever decisions an expecting mother makes when it comes to her body.
During labour and birth touch is a powerful tool to aid birthers in working with functional pain. Pain and pleasure run along the same neural pathways so it makes sense to utilize pleasurable input, such as touch, to block pain messages from reaching the central nervous system during labour and birth.
Whenever possible, it's best to do the early phase of labor at home where you are most comfortable. While you are at home, try these tips for staying comfortable: Rest and stay in bed until it is no longer comfortable. Walk or take a warm shower or bath.
An electric shaver will make work easy for you and can be used throughout the pregnancy. Make sure to clean and disinfect the blades before shaving to avoid any infection. Shaving is safe and can be done at any time, even a few hours to delivery.
During pregnancy, vaginal discharge increases because of the change in the pH levels, hormonal change and thickening of vaginal walls. An increase in the cervical mucus and vaginal discharge will lead to itching.
If you want to avoid the stubbly look you can get from shaving, you can use depilatories or wax. A depilatory is a cream or liquid that removes hair from the skin's surface. Depilatories work quickly, are available at drugstores and grocery stores, and are painless.
Is it safe to get a Brazilian wax during pregnancy? Barring any sensitive skin issues you might have, it's generally considered safe for pregnant women to get waxed during pregnancy.
An OB/GYN's job involves inspecting places that are private. Some women feel pressure to ensure that everything is perfect before they go. The truth is that your doctor and their staff do not care if you are clean-shaven or not. They are medical professionals.
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.