Planned CS - no waxing?

[Jigglypuffler]

I've recently had a date through for a planned C section, with all the bumpf that came with the date was an instruction not to shave or wax from now on. I was just wondering if anyone knew why this was?! Seems a bit random and/or perfunctory to me.

Infection control, it’s standard for most surgery.

Even if its two weeks before?! Damn!

I had a wax two days before my first c section, I didn't make it to the planned date but I hadn't been told not to have one either.

Huh? No shaving or waxing before a c-section? I didn't know this! And it's boggling my mind a little because it seems counter-intuitive - surely the less hair there, the less opportunity for infection?

Or maybe it's to do with the hair protecting the skin; lessening exposure . . .

Wow. You really do learn something new every day

@redpandafluff I know.. When I had my first, the nurse said to me they were going to have to shave the area, but they didn't need to because I'd literally just had a wax... And I was very smug about it! So if they'd need to shave anyway, why not just let me get my wax and avoid the relentless itching after?!

I used hair removal cream to get rid before my planned sections, was told no waxing or shaving due to risk of open wound on skin., so much easier taking the dressings off and feeling clean

I think I'd have to ask my DH to help me with a cream @Lovewinemorethanhusband, I think it'd be too awkward to do it on my own 😂

P.S. Jealous of your username!

@jigglypuffer i did have to get him to help it wasnt pretty but it needed to be done 😂

They shaved the incision area when I had my cs so not sure why you can’t do your own!

That's what I thought, @strappedup!

I asked my midwife at my last appt and she looked just as confused. Said she'd never heard of that being a rule and just to get a wax if that's what I'd normally do🤷‍♀️

That’s so strange ! Never heard that before , I was asked if I was hairy high up down below if I could shave witch of course I did and was going to anyway. Xx

I received my appointment yesterday and it specifically says 'you may want to shave your bikini area, if not a member of the surgical team will do this for you'.
Interesting that it must be different in different areas.

@Bubblebox that's so strange! Like I said, when I asked the midwife she just seemed perplexed and told me to ignore it.

Good luck with your section!

I have a planned section on Wednesday and was specifically told to shave that morning by the preop nurse! I had a planned section two years ago and they told me the opposite!

Maybe an odd question but how much are we meant to take off?
I can't see down there and have a horrible feeling that it's akin to the Amazon.

Thank you @Jigglypuffler

You too

It didn't say this on mine 19m ago. I had a wax just before as shaving makes me itchy and rashy and I didn't want to itch around the scar.

How strange.

What would happen if you'd had laser hair removal?

When I had a planned section with DS2 I had not shaved - I couldn't see down there. But in theatre when I was uncloaked ready for slicing, the surgeon rolled his eyes and said 'oh, you haven't shaved' and sent a nurse off for a bic. I still feel embarrassed. 14 years later.

@Bubblebox

Maybe an odd question but how much are we meant to take off? I can't see down there and have a horrible feeling that it's akin to the Amazon.

I don't think you need to do a lot. There isn't really any hair above my scar so it can't be that low. Probably just an inch or so. Depending on how much hair you have

Oh no KeepOn that's the last thing you want!

I have regular waxes anyway and thought exactly the same about the itching if I were to be shaved! It'll be so uncomfortable. Going to book my routine one for a week or so before my date 😁

There is a small risk that you can introduce an infection if you shave/wax at home and they want to avoid it. Say you use rusty blade or damage skin during waxing and then cuddle a dog or something.. it's just a protocol based on NICE guidelines.

@KeepOnKeepingOnAgainandAgain omg this is the exact same thing that happened to me second time, I’m glad it’s not just me. I just thought we weren’t supposed to touch the area and tbh I’m very fair with barely any hair so I didn’t think it would matter. I lie down on the Surgical table and the midwife says ‘oh, I see we need a little shave’ and promptly got out the electric razor and tidied me up in front of about 8 other members of staff!!! It was so embarrassing though honestly I was so exhausted from three days labour by then that I didn’t really care. Just wish they’d said before that they expect the area shaved. I always get a laugh when I share the story anyway 😆

I had my pre-op today and they didn't mention it at all, but the paperwork said not to shave or wax a week before the section to avoid having an open wound in the bikini area. It will be interesting to see what happens in theatre tomorrow!!

I had an unplanned (but not emergency) CS 5 years ago - as I was getting into my gown I asked the midwife about it because I hadn't shaved and was really hairy and she said they just leave it - they didn't shave me or anything. It was sore when the dressing came off and was stuck to the hair! So I guess it's different in different areas...