Should I wax or shave before giving birth?
Lily Fisher
Updated on May 09, 2026
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.”
Do they shave your pubic hair before giving birth?
In previous years, traditional childbirth recommended hair removal on the pubic area before delivery. However, modern childbirth finds that it's not necessary to shave your pubic hair before delivery. Clinical research shows that shaving or not shaving pubic hair doesn't necessarily affect birth.Do I need to wax before giving birth?
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) told us that no midwife would tell or expect a pregnant woman to shave or wax her pubic hair before turning up on the labour ward. If you want to, that's fine; if you don't, that's also fine.Is it better to shave or wax during pregnancy?
It's best to avoid waxing when pregnant because your skin might be more sensitive than usual. You should also steer clear of harsh hair removal creams and nasty chemicals. When it comes to hair removal, shaving when pregnant is the safest option.When should I shave before giving birth?
Strooband says that if women ask if they should shave before giving birth, “we would discourage people from doing that, actually, because when you shave, even if you can't tell, you can have micro-cuts and you can get infections in them.” Strooband suggests that if women want to groom, they should do it more than 48 ...Should I shave or wax before delivery?
Do midwives care about pubic hair?
Doctors, nurses and midwives deal with vulvas and vaginas all day long, and trust us—they literally don't care AT ALL if you look “cleaned up” down there. Of all the useless things that I worried about before labour, getting a bikini wax was high on the list.Is waxing safe during 9th month of pregnancy?
Pregnancy hormones can make you grow extra unwanted hair. Waxing during pregnancy is generally safe, but there are some things you may want to consider, like making sure you're getting waxed in a clean salon and not applying wax if you have certain skin conditions.How long before my due date should I get waxed?
We've heard that some OBGYNs will advise against shaving or waxing down there for at least 30 days before your due date to avoid the risk of infection. Others have no issue with it, kind of like the whole solids vs. clear liquids during labor debacle. It all depends on your doctor.Can you get a Brazilian wax at 39 weeks pregnant?
Is It Safe to Get a Brazilian While Pregnant? It is generally considered to be safe to get a Brazilian wax while pregnant. While your skin may be more sensitive, and you should always tell your technician that you are pregnant, even if you think it's obvious, there is no medical reason to avoid a Brazilian.How can I remove hair from my private part during pregnancy?
While you should avoid some hair removal methods during pregnancy, there are a number of ways to get hair-free safely.
- Tweezing and threading.
- Shaving.
- Waxing and sugaring.
- Hair removal creams and lotions.
- Bleaching.
- Laser hair removal and electrolysis.
How can I avoid tearing during delivery?
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- Prepare to push. During the second stage of labor, the pushing stage, aim for more controlled and less expulsive pushing. ...
- Keep your perineum warm. Placing a warm cloth on the perineum during the second stage of labor might help.
- Perineal massage. ...
- Deliver in an upright, nonflat position.
Can getting a Brazilian wax bring on Labour?
Although there is no scientific proof that bikini waxes induce labor, waxing your nether region can be more painful that usual when you're expecting. As the website Baby Med suggests, the fluid retention that most pregnant women experience can cause their skin to swell and become more sensitive.Is waxing safe during 8th month of pregnancy?
Waxing is a safe way to remove body hair, but it may not be the best thing for your skin while you're pregnant. Your skin is likely to be more sensitive, especially on your belly and legs. Hormonal changes in your body make your skin more itchy and prone to irritation.How should I wear my hair for labor?
6 Great Hairstyles for Labor and Delivery
- Pixie cut. A cute pixie cut is a great option for a fresh look for labor and delivery. ...
- Braids. Braided styles provide a lot of options for expectant mothers. ...
- Waves. ...
- Micro bead extensions. ...
- Twists. ...
- A wrap.
When did you stop shaving during pregnancy?
In a video that has more than 3.7 million views on TikTok, Grant Buechner, who is also a registered nurse and lactation consultant, explains that grooming is not recommended beyond 36 weeks gestation. “Shaving pubic hair can INCREASE risk of infection at the time of birth, even with Cesarean birth,” she wrote.Is it bad to get a Brazilian wax while pregnant?
Is it safe to get a Brazilian wax during pregnancy? Barring any sensitive skin issues you might have, it's generally considered safe for pregnant women to get waxed during pregnancy.Can I wax my belly during pregnancy?
At-home hair removal methods, such as shaving, plucking, or waxing, are usually safe for pregnant women. Learn more about waxing during pregnancy. Keep in mind that your stomach skin may be more delicate and sensitive than usual, so make sure to follow up with a moisturizing lotion to prevent irritation.Should I trim before labor?
Shaving: This is the most preferred method adopted by doctors and midwives before preparing a woman for delivery. If you still have full hair growth over your privates before delivery, your doctor is likely to recommend it. If you plan to shave at home, do it 48 hours prior to going to the hospital.Can I use Veet on my private area during pregnancy?
Yes, it's safe to use hair removal creams, although you may find that they irritate your skin now you're pregnant. The chemicals in hair removal creams work on the structural ingredient of your hair, called keratin. The creams cause your hair to break and separate from your skin.Is waxing more painful when pregnant?
As per a journal, published in 2012, an increase in the oestrogen levels in the body during pregnancy can lead to an increased sensitivity of the skin. This could result in the waxing becoming more painful than usual for you.Should I wax before C section?
Shaving or waxing before a c-sectionYour 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.
Why do hospitals make you give birth on your back?
"Most hospitals and providers prefer this position because of the ease of the doctor being able to sit at the feet of the woman, and the way in which hospital beds are designed to transform into a semi reclined or flat laying position," Biedebach explains.How can I push my baby out fast?
5 Tips for Pushing During Childbirth
- Push from Your Bottom. We know… ...
- Put Your Chin to Your Chest. When your care team instructs you to push, take a deep breath and tuck your chin as you push, looking below your bellybutton. ...
- Use Your Contractions as Your Guide. ...
- A Mirror Can Be Helpful. ...
- Follow Your Instincts.