Be honest - 38 weeks pregnant and rather 'large' but I really want a brazillian

[ASecretLemonadeDrinker]

I really want a brazillian, esp. as DS3 is due in 2 weeks and I cannot be fecked to trim, but couldn't anyway without serious risk of injury! I am not too self concious, but am acutely aware that I am coverd in stretchmarks (even on my skin around 'there'), a size 18, plus a big pregnant tummy. Oh, and also many scars from tearing and episiotomy. Is it all lovely groomed slim people that have this done, or will they not even bat an eyelid? I want to go the whole hog - everything bar a strip (i.e me arse ) Should I spare the poor sod that'll be doing it, or grin and bear it and leave a hefty tip?

You said you really want one so if that's what you want then go for it! I don't think the beauticians will give a toss, they'll see all shapes and sizes day in and day out. I bet there's very little that will surprise them.

I am worried about re-growth now, if they stich me abit funny the hairs may grow in the scar - I think I will get DH to trim, I thought waxing didn't have the same kind of regrowth. Thanks all

You won't get itchy regrowth from waxing, it's only shaving that causes that because of the angle at which a razor cuts off the hair strand.

It DOES make it easier for MW's to see the damage and do the stitches and it makes it a lot cleaner for you afterwards.

If you get waxed now, you probably won't get regrowth for 5-6 weeks so it's a whole lot different to shaving.

Well, it depends it sounds like the OP has never had a wax before. You might be OK NJPM, but I have very sensitive skin down there and waxing does really nasty things to me ingrown hairs, bruising, itchiness, the works. If she's not had one before, now is really not the time to find out that she's sensitive down below.

Besides, after hearing about the clinical case of the woman who got necrotising fascitis from a Brazilian, I've never had my bits waxed again.

Beanlet I've been a beauty therapist for 13 years and never had that happen to a client. Bruising can only be caused by poor technique, ingrown hairs are part and parcel of any hair removal and most people don't bother to exfoliate and moisturise the area which dramatically reduces this.

As for the science blog, that's incredibly rare - if you listened to every precaution about everything you'd never leave the house or move a muscle again. There were many contributing factors to that womans case, most salons will do a thorough consult before a first wax which would flag up any contraindications.

So OP my professional opinion is that the above post is nothing to worry about at all.

Does the hair keep bacteria away I wonder? I got an infection last time that may have been via the stitches (they never found out cause as treated 'too quick') Tossing up between wax or trim. I am definatly going to have a wax done afterwards, it's not just for this... and obviously tearing/episiotomy/C/S are real likelyhoods for me so it would be nice to have it bare (er) for the docs (do they shave anyway before stitching?) Errr....

I can recommend Emla cream (you can buy it from the pharmacist but usually have to ask for it) - it's a local anaesthetic cream. Use it every time before I have a Braz (I do my own). Apply to the area before waxing then wipe off and you won't feel anything! It does of course say don't apply to the genital area but I always assume that means the wet bits and so the 'dry' bits are OK!

Ah, I read about emla but looked online and it seemed to be prescription only...? Do boots do it? If I ask?

I've no doubt you're an excellent beauty therapist NJPM, but the OP is new to this and she isn't going to be going to you, is she? It's really not the time to be trying something painful for the first time.

As for DIY. . . I'm currently 37 weeks and I can neither see nor reach down there

I had brazilians before becoming preg, and not had any problems with them. Having said that my waxer is excellent, and been doing it 20-odd years. However the first time i went, she refused to do a brazilian as i'd never been waxed 'down there' and just did a bikini line wax.

No she won't be going to me beanlet but if she goes to any experienced and reputable therapist she will receive good treatment.

Bikini waxes shouldn't even be 'painful' if done correctly, just minor discomfort for a few minutes.

Well, my experiences must just all be in my head then

Whereabouts are you notjustapuppymum?

Nope Emla is available off prescription but it's behind the counter so you just have to ask for it - it's the 'magic' cream that they use in hospital on kids before they take blood It costs around £3.50 for a tiny tube, but is enough to do the average fanjo. I get mine in a local pharmacy which is a Boots pharmacy but just the pharmacy not the rest of the shop IYSWIM - they have never asked why I wanted it just handed it over!!

Beanlet didn't need to imply that - I absolutely know these things happen, I've been bruised myself by inexperienced therapists. That's why it's important to go to someone experienced and with a good rep.

lemonadedrinker am in South of the country but on maternity leave

Okie dokie. I may end up tossing a coin, can't make up my mind

If you are worried by some of the posts then why don't you go and ask for a strip test? If they just waxed off a small strip and you had no reaction within 24 hours and then go back and have the rest done? Or, just go and have a very brief bikini wax, just not the whole hog?

I never had itchy regrowth with Brazilians, but do wioth shaving so no bloody way! I'm 33 wks and had been debating getting a brazilian, I used to regularly but have got out of the habit. This thread has put me off though! I think I will give the Immac a try though...perhaps with the aid of a mirror as I no longer have visibility! Certainly not asking DH, there are some things I want to keep to myself...weird I know as there will be a load of strangers staring at it.

Can you use Immac etc when pregnant does anyone know?

Get it whipped off. I had a full Hollywood when I gave birth. As long as you go to a really good waxer and not some junior just out of college. Maybe trim a little bit before the wax as it makes the procudure easier. Its so clean and comfortable. A good therapist should talk you through it and make you feel as comfortable as possible.
Mine now is all lasered off, good ridance to it!

I had my daughter in hot steamy Asia and regularly got all of it waxed off but I wouldn't do it so close to giving birth, mainly because a) you'll have nadgery regrowth at a time when you could be healing b) if you have a section they'll shave you (not dead close though) anyway.

Also, waxing during pregnancy is like doing it on your period - even more painful. If you've never had it done, I'd not start now.

Can your partner give you a shave or could you trim?

Doubt they give a monkeys what you look like, and I'm sure you're lovely.

Just to reiterate, there seems to be some confusion about regrowth. It does vary from person to person but generally speaking hair grows in 3 cycles, so a wax that takes it all off will not last the full 5-6 weeks in most cases. First the hair about to grow out the surface begins to poke thru, then about 3-4 weeks later more comes, then 5-6 weeks the rest and so you'll be fully grown back by then.

But in most cases between 3-6 weeks you've got anything from 20 pct-40 pct of hair there.

Also, sometimes the hair breaks off and that will appear in days.

And a full Brazilian on a full muff is quite a labour of trimming and waxing and going over the bits. A big job compared to someone who's been regularly and often.