This is why you should never shave your pubic hair before giving birth (2024)

FAQs

This is why you should never shave your pubic hair before giving birth? ›

She said: “Our current advice is that you don't shave or wax your pubic area just prior to giving birth as this increases your risk of an infection, especially if you have an operative procedure like a Caesarean section.”

Again, the answer is: Do what makes you feel best. “We as the health-care team don't care—and probably won't even notice—if you're clean-shaven or not,” says Carter. If you're having a c-section, your provider might trim your pubic hair before the procedure, she adds.

Yes, it is generally safe to remove pubic hair during pregnancy. However, it's crucial to use gentle methods and take extra care due to increased skin sensitivity.

The purpose of pubic hair is to protect us, just like the hair around your ears, nose, and eyes. It keeps the skin of your vulva warm and moisturized. It protects the delicate skin from friction during sexual activity. It keeps dust, dirt, and germs away from the vagin* to prevent infection.

Before giving birth, you can trim your pubic hair with scissors in case your private area is too dense. Experts say that the time for mothers to shave or wax themselves is 7 days before the time of delivery - regardless of whether it is a vagin*l birth or a cesarean section.

Don't be embarrassed if you haven't shaved.

It's acceptable not to shave before delivery. Don't worry. Most doctors and nurses rarely notice. They're busy ensuring you and your baby are safe.

Depilatory creams are some of the best options for removing hair on the legs, underarms, and bikini-lines in pregnancy. Plus, there is no pain or discomfort, such as in waxing, and the hair stays away longer as compared to shaving.

“Shaving pubic hair can INCREASE risk of infection at the time of birth, even with Cesarean birth,” she wrote. “Leave the bush alone.”

Your doctor doesn't care how you care for your pubic hair, because it isn't a health or hygiene concern. They've seen it all, and how you style (or don't style) your pubic hair probably won't even register. So whether you like a close shave, a simple trim, or going au naturale, just keep doing you.

How often to shave depends on your genetics and your preferred end result. In general, we recommend shaving every two to three days if you want a clean shave; three to five days if you want to simply style or trim; and if you want to just let your hair grow, then simply stop shaving.

Where should a woman never shave? ›

Japan: Women in Japan have preferred to shave only their legs and underarms, leaving the bikini and pubic area untouched. It is also quite common to remove facial hair and peach fuzz for a smooth, glass-like appearance.

When these forms of discharge mix with our body's normal bacteria, odor can develop. Yes, some can get trapped in pubic hair, sit too long in our underwear, or on a pad. That said, shaving is not necessary and simply a personal preference.

The benefits of not shaving pubic hair are avoiding irritation, cuts, and ingrowns—when you don't shave, you won't get irritated. If you don't shave your pubic hair, nothing happens, but it's important to keep it clean with a daily genital-friendly wash and exfoliant to keep odor at bay.

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.

In general, pubic hair in females naturally covers the labia majora (outer lips) to the inner thighs and form a triangle-like shape up to the pubic bone. Some women will naturally grow thicker or thinner hair than others, so typically there's no cause for alarm when there's slight variation.

Moms-to-be who like to wear their hair straight can wrap their own hair around their heads under a satin scarf during labor and delivery. The scarf will not only keep the hair in place, but it'll also soak up any sweat that accumulates along the hairline.

Pregnant people might experience increased hair growth that isn't confined to their heads. "Pubic hair can grow long and fluffy, and that freaks some women out," obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Gilberg-Lenz told CNN.