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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Should you book a wax before giving birth?

49 replies

daimbar · 20/04/2015 11:06

My MIL told me that the midwives shave you before birth if you are a little 'unkempt' down there? I must admit I am sporting the 'natural' look at the moment with only a few weeks to go.

Don't really fancy the idea of being shaved though! Is this true? (The last time MIL had a baby was in the 1970s so things may have changed?!)

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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milkyway1304 · 20/04/2015 11:11

You absolutely do not need to wax/shave beforehand unless you want to! In fact I believe it isn't recommended. If having a procedure (eg C-Section) the hairline will be trimmed back but it will honestly be the last thing on your mind!

sugarman · 20/04/2015 11:12

Better than letting them loose with a cheap razor!

Poledra · 20/04/2015 11:14

No, they don't shave you as a matter of course. I did have a wax before birth, because I wanted to, but it didn't make any difference - they still had to shave my hairline for the emergency C-section that resulted!

Original poster

daimbar · 20/04/2015 11:14

Thanks milkyway! That's a relief as didn't really fancy going for a wax being this pregnant.

OP posts:

iwantgin · 20/04/2015 11:16

No. they don't shave as a matter of course. Back in the 70s it may have been par for the course but certainly not in recent years. Perhaps if you are booked in for a section, then wax the top part a little. Don't shave - it's bloody itchy regrowth.

You have enough to think about without worrying about the topiary.

Original poster

daimbar · 20/04/2015 11:17

Ok now I am scared! (Sugarman - cheap razor) Ooh yikes better have a tidy up just in case!

OP posts:

SophyStantonLacy · 20/04/2015 11:18

They don't shave you! I believe they used to but they certainly don't now.

I go for the unkempt look, have had two babies vaginally, nobody has said a word about my pubic hair. Nor have they had to trim, shave or otherwise interfere with it and I have plenty of it

YesAnastasia · 20/04/2015 11:22

For my first baby I went for a full wax expecting to be in several unflattering positions during labour & my DH might want a look. I also thought it would be more hygienic & easier to heal any tears etc. ALSO I knew I wouldn't be up to grooming myself after the baby came.

Pointless, painful & humiliating getting into those positions for the waxer (all fours etc).

It's all vanity & your dignity goes as soon as you start labour anyway.

Had a section in the end .

Original poster

daimbar · 20/04/2015 11:33

Thanks for the stories! Am feeling most reassured :)

OP posts:

Ztastic · 20/04/2015 11:55

Well I would say defo tidy up down there! I just use a lady shave, feel it's more hygienic and makes me feel better! It's really a personal preference thing though so if you're happy to go au natural go for it! (Nb beware though a quick dry shave with a cheap razor does happen if you need a section so bear that in mind)

ouryve · 20/04/2015 11:56

No.

originalusernamefail · 20/04/2015 11:57

I was full on natural for DSs birth, no one came near me with a razor. Do what suits you OP.

bridgetsmummy · 20/04/2015 12:00

Don't waste your time.
I've got 3 children and in my whole life I've never shaved, waxed or even trimmed down there.

gnarlyoldoak · 20/04/2015 12:03

I had a full wax (everything off) the day before I went into labour, but only because I find it easier to clean down there when hairless, so found it better when bleeding heavily and didn't have to deal with hairs sticking to healing stitches etc (I tore across my outer labia)
It might have been the wax that induced me! I didn't have to get on all fours though - I don't believe all waxers find it essential!

purplemunkey · 20/04/2015 12:04

As others have said, no they don't shave you. I kept myself fairly tidy throughout my pregnancy just because I liked to. I did nothing to prepare specifically for birth though. How tidy your pubes are is so far down your priority list, honestly - don't waste another second thinking about it

AndThus · 20/04/2015 12:07

Ha ha, of course they don't bloody shave you! Unless its a c section.

Far better to ask your midwife such questions than your MIL.

I found a tidy up was useful because there will be a lot of bleeding after the birth - for several weeks - and dried blood stuck in pubic hair around your stitches just isn't nice.

Don't do it for vanity reasons - you will not care on the day. But it can be more practical.

NeedABumChange · 20/04/2015 12:07

Pretty sure they say to go au natural as it lowers the risk of infection.

MsIngaFewmarbles · 20/04/2015 12:11

We do not shave ladies bits for labour! Women arrive with all sorts of arrangements for their lady gardens, Brazilian, trimmed or full bush, it really really doesn't matter. Promise.

MsIngaFewmarbles · 20/04/2015 12:13

Oh but yes, if you have long hair we would shave the very top part of a CS was needed.

FadedRed123 · 20/04/2015 12:19

Hi Daimbar, Yes, full shave and enema were de rigueur in the 70's, but that went out in the 80's (thank heavens) as embarrassing, unpleasant and totally unnecessary, with research evidence to prove it.

Do what you feel comfortable with, and if that's nothing at all, that's fine.
If you need a caesarean, then they might shave (immediately pre-op) the bit where the incision will be, if it's hairy, or they might not. There are pro's and cons to pre-op shaving.
If MIL's 'advice' comes from that era then bear that in mind for any other gems of wisdom she might come up with in the future, even with your best interests at heart.......
Hope everything goes well for you.

Ztastic · 20/04/2015 12:31

No-one said you'll be shaved for a vaginally delivery only for c-section. I think we all agree it's down to personal preference, if you normally groom down there I imagine you would continue to do so.

Ztastic · 20/04/2015 12:32

Lol vaginal not vaginally... Predictive text!!

DayLillie · 20/04/2015 12:48

Ah yes, in the 1970s! At my local hospital, they used to put you through a room where you were examined, shaved, enema via a rubber tube, and showered (baths unhygienic), before you were allowed onto the labour ward.

A bit like those films where children have their heads shaved and are scrubbed and deloused before entering orphanages.

As others have said, it was unnecessary and stopped in the late 70s/early 80s. My visit put me off teenage pregnancy, not that I had anyone to get pregnant with

SophyStantonLacy · 20/04/2015 12:49

blimey Day!

DayLillie · 20/04/2015 12:56

They had nice yellow flowery curtains in the first stage rooms though

People were upset when it closed in the 80s (needed better access to prem baby units etc) because it was local.

It is amazing how things have changed.

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