Know the basics.
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.)
Your midwife may ask you to stop shaving or waxing your bikini area a few days before your c-section. This is to reduce the risk of your c-section wound becoming infected. This may vary from hospital to hospital, so speak to your midwife about how to prepare your skin before the operation.
You will be required to have a pubic shave no less than three days before the day of your surgery. This is important as shaving within three days can cause wound infections.
Once upon a time, hospitals shaved pregnant women before delivery. Now, shaving isn't recommended at all.
Do not shave near where you will have surgery. Shaving with a razor can irritate your skin and make it easier to develop an infection.
The Night Before Your C-section
You will not be allowed to eat, drink or smoke after midnight. This includes candy, gum and water. Try to get a good night's sleep. You may brush your teeth in the morning.
Returning to Physical Activities After a C-Section
It's important to get out of bed and walk around within 24 hours after surgery. This can help ease gas pains, help you have a bowel movement, and prevent blood clots.
A nurse will shave just enough of your pubic hair to clear the way for the incision, which is usually about 4 to 6 inches long. You won't feel pain when the surgery begins.
DO NOT shave, wax or use cream to remove the hair on your lower stomach or pubic area for 1 week before your C-section. Hair removal uncovers more bacteria on your skin. It can increase the chance of infections.
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.
You'll be asked to change into a hospital gown when you arrive at the hospital on the day of the caesarean section. A thin, flexible tube called a catheter will be inserted into your bladder to empty it while you're under the anaesthetic, and a small area of pubic hair will be trimmed if necessary.
Smooth skin may make it easier for surgeons to make incisions cleanly and precisely. In fact, it's customary for surgeons to shave some patients before they perform surgery.
“There is no medical reason for shaving, it's definitely not encouraged by health professionals and the vast majority of expectant mums choose not to.” So there we have it. What do you think, were you worried about this issue before you went into labour?
If you might be scheduled for a C-section, your nurse might shave off your pubic hair on a selected area. Your nurse or doctor might need to shave off a couple of inches of your hair during this procedure to avoid any risk of infection to your hair follicles.
What should I wear to a planned C-section? Wear something comfortable to the hospital. You will need to be in a hospital gown for the surgery, but you may have some time sitting around and waiting before your C-section. Loungewear and yoga pants are both excellent options.
In clinical practice, many women request abdominoplasty at the time of cesarean section in order to remove excess skin and stretch marks that develop during pregnancy. In addition, many obstetrician and gynecologists are learning to do cosmetic procedures, such as Panniculectomy.
You'll want high-waist underwear (think granny panties) that reach above your incision site, and dresses or loose-fitting pants that won't rub against your incision or squeeze your abdominal area. In short, anything that chafes your scar (like elastic) will not feel good.
The average hospital stay after a C-section is 2 to 4 days, and keep in mind recovery often takes longer than it would from a vaginal birth. Walking after the C-section is important to speed recovery and pain medication may be supplied too as recovery takes place.
How long does it take to recover after a c-section? It usually takes about 6 weeks to recover from your c-section but this will depend on your individual situation. If you had any problems during or after your c-section, or if you're looking after other children at home, you may feel you need more time to recover.
You may remove your wound dressing and take showers if stitches, staples, or glue were used to close your skin. Do not soak in a bathtub or hot tub, or go swimming, until your provider tells you it is OK. In most cases, this is not until 3 weeks after surgery.
The typical C-section takes about 45 minutes from start to finish. After your provider delivers your baby, they'll stitch your uterus and close the incision in your abdomen. Different types of emergencies can arise during a delivery.
Cesarean deliveries with no trial of labor were much more concentrated during the day, especially around 8 a.m. "This makes sense, as C-sections are usually scheduled during the daytime hours and wouldn't be scheduled overnight or into the early hours of the morning," says Jennifer Wu, MD, obstetrician/gynecologist at ...