Most mothers are often confused about whether pubic hair shaving when pregnant or before delivery is necessary. However, if not done beforehand, you may undergo perineal hair shaving while you are prepped for delivery. This may cause some mothers to feel uncomfortable, more so because of the stress of the delivery. This article discusses why pubic hair is shaved before delivery, how it should be done, and its benefits and risks.
Why Is Pubic Hair Shaved Before Delivery?
In many hospitals, it is a practice to get pregnant women shave their pubic hair before delivery. Here are the reasons why it is done (1):
To make your childbirth hygienic. This is purely for your convenience.
Helpful in Caesarian deliveries
Sometimes, the nurse or a helper at the hospital does the job for you but it could be embarrassing to get it done by a stranger. If you want to be clean-shaven for your labor, then you may want to get it done in advance.
When Should You Shave?
Experts say that you should not shave or wax seven days before your scheduled delivery – be it a normal or Cesarean. This is primarily to avoid infections on the little cuts in your skin, which could attract bacteria (2). Shaving pubic hair has been a highly debatable topic. While a number of hospitals advice mothers-to-be to shave, researchers are against it. You may make an informed decision after weighing the pros and cons of pubic shaving.
What Are The Benefits And Risks Of Shaving Pubic Hair During Pregnancy?
This information might help you decide whether or not to shave your pubic hair:
Benefits:
Pubic hair is an ideal place for microbe infestation. This makes it necessary to keep the area clean to keep any infections at bay.
A clean-shaven pubic area provides a better view to the gynecologist if she wants to make any interventions, su4 Rech as using forceps, during your vaginal birth.
Trimming or shaving of the pubic hair reduces sweating and keeps the area clean. Image: Shutterstock
It is convenient to have a shaved area so that the excessive bleeding post-delivery does not stick to the hair and make it difficult to wash.
Risks:
If hygiene is not maintained while shaving, it may lead to infections. You must use sterilized or disposable tools for the purpose.
The regrowth of hair can cause discomfort due to the itching sensation.
If not shaved properly, it can lead to ingrown hair, wherein the hair starts growing inside the skin causing painful bumps. This also could lead to Bartholin cyst development,, which is painful and requires antibiotics.
The more practical problem with shaving while pregnant is you need to take somebody’s help because your bump blocks your view of the pubic area.
If you are still unable to decide on what to do with your pubic hair, then seek help to clear your concerns.
Concerned about shaving pubic hair before delivery?
Do this:
Consult your doctor and discuss your concerns. This will help you decide.
Talk with your friends or close family members who have shaved/ not shaved during their labor. This may help change your views about this procedure. Image: Shutterstock
If you decide to go ahead with shaving, then do not hesitate to take help from your partner.
But make sure you are opting for a safe method.
How To Remove Pubic Hair During Pregnancy?
Here are various ways you can shave your pubic hair:
Waxing and sugaring is a method wherein heated syrup is spread over the skin and lifted off to remove the hair. With the growing belly, it becomes difficult for you to bend and do the shaving. Therefore, get it done in a saloon where an expert can safely carry out the procedure for you.
You may use hair removal creams as long as your skin is not sensitive towards them, and you have used them earlier. Chemical substances in the creams break down the hair follicle cells and dissolve it, facilitating easy removal of hair from the pubic area.
You can also use electric shavers for a quick shaving of pubic hair. You may use it throughout your pregnancy. Image: iStock
Important Tips To Remember
If you are removing the pubic hair by yourself: If a nurse is shaving your pubic hair just before your delivery, then here is what you can do to avoid any anxiety:
