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.
Doctors may shave you before delivery for hygiene reasons or to reduce the risk of infection due to a surgical incision or C-section incision.
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.
It also doesn't impede the birth process. Having pubic hair actually serves a purpose- it helps maintain a healthy microbiome, it keeps pathogens- bad bacteria- out and has other functions.
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.
“Routine perineal/pubic shaving prior to giving vaginal birth is not recommended,” they say, the concern being for nicks and scrapes potentially being a trigger for infection. They also make it clear that whilst the situation for C-sections is different, it's ultimately a woman's choice.
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.
A professional salon wax or sugar wax may be the better hair removal option for your bikini line during pregnancy. Make sure the salon you choose is clean; the technician should wear gloves and use a new spatula between applications to prevent sharing germs.
Is It Safe to Get a Brazilian While Pregnant? 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.
An anonymous midwife gave all of the hairy details and the truth is, they don't care at all. As long as the baby can come out and they can safely put in stitches, she wrote, "we don't care if you're full bush, bald as a baby, or something exciting like a lightening bolt/vajazzled. I don't even notice any more."
"The primary orgasm hormone is oxytocin, which is also released during labor," he says. "We call it 'the love hormone. ' Any stimulation in the uterus, cervix, or vagina can trigger it." Oxytocin, released from the pituitary gland, can cause a flood of great feelings that make birth easier to deal with overall.
Some hospitals require you to wear the delivery gowns they provide. If your hospital doesn't have a preference, consider getting a special labor and delivery gown (with access for breastfeeding, an IV, an epidural, etc.) to maximize your comfort and confidence (much softer than a hospital gown).
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.) Any hair that might get in the way of the incision is clipped.
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.
Tweezing, shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all suitable options for hair removal during pregnancy, as long as the warnings and directions for use on the products you choose are followed. It is recommended that before waxing or using depilatory creams you seek medical advice.
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.
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.
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. Something else may be causing your hair to fall out.
Clothes wise, immediately post-partum or for coming home, I would recommend stretchy dresses or leggings and a large t-shirt or vest in the summer months. In the colder months, joggers, leggings, or trusty maternity dungarees are perfect. A hoody or cardigan to keep warm too.
Newborn Swaddles or Gowns
Most hospitals prefer to dress babies simply, either in just a diaper and swaddled in a flannel blanket, or in a side-snap bodysuit or basic gown.
The hospital will make sure you have clean sheets, towels and wash cloths. You'll also have a bed with several pillows and blankets. If you have a hard time sleeping with a different pillow, it might be a good idea to bring your own.
Pushing Can Feel Like Relief
Some even say it feels good, similar to orgasm. Pushing is often described as relief from active labor contractions because it's a natural urge you can give in to. For many, it feels more active than passive.
A Foley catheter (another type of small plastic tube) may be placed in your bladder to drain urine since you won't be able to get up and go to the bathroom. The Foley catheter is placed after the epidural and is usually not uncomfortable.