Experts have found that there is a small decrease in infection rates in pregnant women when the hair on the perineum, which is usually removed in bikini waxes, is left in place, In fact, experts now recommend women to not shave off their pubic hair, especially after 36 weeks of pregnancy. However, this is mostly a personal choice, and as long as it is done safely, you can proceed with hair removal.
Pubic hair removal during pregnancy is helpful in caesarean deliveries, as shaving the hair helps in making suturing easier and also reduces the risk of infection. In case of a difficult delivery, a cut must be made at the opening of the vagina. This procedure is called an episiotomy, and shaving is recommended in this case, so as to rule out any chances of infections.
Hair removal can be done using normal hair removal methods like waxing, hair removal creams, electric shavers or normal shaving blades, as long as it is performed in a safe and hygienic manner.
Pregnancy often brings on thicker hair growth in places most women would rather not have any, like armpits, bikini line, upper lip, belly etc. Fortunately, this is only temporary, and hair growth should go back to normal six months after delivery. In the meantime, here are some ways to remove pubic hair safely during your pregnancy:
In this method, heated wax syrup is spread over the skin and pulled off to remove the hair. If waxing is your preferred method of hair removal, visit an expert for safety and do not try to do it yourself.
Use this method only if you have done it before, as there are chemical substances in the cream that can cause irritation if you have sensitive skin. While there is no real evidence that these creams cause harm to a developing foetus, it is still better to consult your doctor before using this method.
Electric shavers can be used throughout the pregnancy. They are one of the easier options when it comes to hair removal. Like with any of the other methods, care should be taken when using an electric shaver. Use only clean and sanitised blades.
This method requires the use of a foaming agent and most women tend to do this in the shower. Many slip-ups can occur, especially when shaving your private area, so be careful or ask your partner or a friend to help.
Trimming scissors do not completely remove the hair, but they do keep the hair short and make the area relatively neat and tidy. They do not pose much threat unless you cannot see what you are doing. It is recommended that you ask your partner to help you, when your baby bump gets too big to see past.
While shaving the way you normally would during the entire duration of the pregnancy is completely fine, make sure you use clean and sanitised blades and tools. Even better, go to a professional to get the hair removed. However, it is best not to shave or wax for a week before your due date, so as to avoid any infections that may be caused in any of the small cuts that could occur during hair removal.
Here are some benefits of shaving pubic hair during pregnancy:
On the flip side of the coin, here are some risks that you should keep in mind:
If you decide to remove your pubic hair, you can do it before getting to the hospital or ask a nurse to do it for you. Here are some things to remember in either case:
Before the Hospital:
At the Hospital:
While there are different views and opinions about whether or not to remove pubic hair during pregnancy, it is seen that as long as all of the hair is not removed, especially from the perineum, there really is not much difference in the science of it all. It comes down to personal preference and the procedure that your hospital follows. As long as the circumstances of your labour are normal, and you do not have to undergo a C-Section or difficult delivery, it is likely your doctor will agree to you not removing the hair.in our conditions removing hair is recommended during any form of delivery.
While there are a few methods of hair removal that are safe to follow, the best way to remove pubic hair during pregnancy is to trim it as short as possible, rather than to remove it completely as this keeps the area clean, allows the doctor to have proper vision during labour, and does not come with the itchy sensation that accompanies hair growing back after shaving. No matter what you choose, always consult with your doctor first to ensure that all goes smoothly during childbirth.