“There's no shaving done routinely for normal births,” Dr Riley says. “Generally, a patient may need a shave of where the incision will be if a Caesarean section is being done. Some patients prefer to do this themselves before coming in, but most don't.”
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.
If you've heard the exact opposite—that you should shave before labour—that's understandable because it used to be the recommendation. In fact, hospitals used to shave your pubic hair for you—and in some areas, they still do.
Our current advice is that you don't shave or wax your pubic area just prior to giving birth, as this increases your risk of infection, especially if you have an operative procedure like a caesarean section.
Your pubic hair is of no concern. If you are worried about what others might think remember this: birth workers have seen it all- from completely waxed to au naturel. Beliefs about pubic hair are personal and whatever feels right for you is what you should do.
As long as the baby can come out, we don't care if you're full bush, bald as a baby, or something exciting like a lightening bolt/vajazzled." The midwife wrote that she doesn't "even notice" what women's pubic hair looks like anymore, and "it doesn't affect stitches or anything to do with our work."
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.
Braids. Braided styles provide a lot of options for expectant mothers. Weaving hair into a side braid or French braid, or adding hair extensions to create cornrows, microbraids or box braids, are cute styles that will take moms through labor, delivery and beyond.
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.
Shaving and waxing cause micro-abrasions on the skin's surface which can become infected – definitely not something you want to be worrying about if you're about to have a baby. Medical professionals are now informing pregnant women that they should avoid shaving their pubic hair beyond 36 weeks gestation.
Our endogenous oxytocin floods our brain, infusing our pleasure and reward center, providing pain relief, helping us to do the work required in labour, and intensifies labour sensations so that it is efficient. One of the main ways to support oxytocin release is with touch – loving, non-clinical touch is optimal.
You may shower, bathe or wash your hair at any time after the birth of your baby. During your first six weeks, avoid strenuous work. You may choose to limit visits with family and friends during the first two weeks, as it may cause undue fatigue for you and could also be detrimental to your baby's health.
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.
The decision to cut your hair or go in for trimming before your baby is born is personal, and there is no right or wrong answer. Some new mothers cut their hair for practical reasons, such as to make it easier to care for and manage, while others prefer to keep their hair long for emotional reasons.
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.
While some women don't want to go as far as a Brazilian wax or even a bikini wax, there are some who choose to trim the longer or stray hairs in preparation for labor. This can be difficult in the later months of pregnancy, simply because it's so hard to see around your pregnant belly.
Some people wonder if you can get your nails done during pregnancy since polishes and polish removers contain many chemicals. Most experts agree that manicures and pedicures are safe during pregnancy. If you go to a professional salon with good safety standards, you can enjoy some pampering while you're expecting.
Watching the clock makes you acutely aware of how much time is passing – or not passing – and you're more likely to get caught up asking yourself “How much longer can I do this?” instead of staying mindful and present in the moment and focusing on relaxing during and between contractions. DON'T hold your breath.
She adds that wearing makeup on your face is perfectly safe during and after the birthing process. The only thing the medical professionals want you to avoid is fake nails — they can interfere with hospital equipment like oxygen monitoring devices.
Many new moms experience excessive hair shedding after pregnancy. Hair shedding usually peaks about four months after giving birth. By their child's first birthday, most women regain their normal hair growth. If your hair does not regain its normal fullness after one year, you may want to see a dermatologist.
No. Women all over the world wash their hair regularly throughout pregnancy, with no ill-effects on their babies.
Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register. So whether you like a close shave, a simple trim, or going au naturale, just keep doing you.