Strange Question!

Sashgat2012 · November 2011

Okay so this may be general knowledge, and I'm just not in-the-know, or it may be as old as my Mom (who told me about it...).

My Mom was telling me what she remembered from my sister's birth in 1984 (vaginal, I was an emergency c-sec in '86). She remembers the nurses shaving her as part of the "admitting process."

I haven't heard any recent ladies talking about this, so it struck me as kind of odd. I get how it could be medically necessary or what-not, but I have to admit it kinda makes me uncomfortable!

Is this still common practice, or is it an outdated practice from the 1980's?

utilaprincess01 · November 2011

At my hospital, it's an outdated practice. My lamaze nurse said that back in the day, the doctors considered the hair to be an issue for sterilization & cleanliness. My mom also told me that they did this to her with both of her kids (born in 84 & 87).
The nurse said that they will not, at least in our area, do this to a woman in labor now.

cschissell · November 2011

I think it is a pretty outdated practice, but I think it still goes on in some areas although it is the exception rather than the rule these days.

Sashgat2012 · November 2011

Okay, cool. Thanks, ladies!! I will be sure to ask my OB on Monday...awkwarddddd

SoonToBeMsP · November 2011

The RN who taught our childbirth class said they will shave the area where an incision would be for a c-section, but she didn't mention anything about shaving for a vaginal birth.

Sashgat2012 · November 2011

This makes more sense to me....thanks!

utilaprincess01 · November 2011

SoonToBeMsP:
The RN who taught our childbirth class said they will shave the area where an incision would be for a c-section, but she didn't mention anything about shaving for a vaginal birth.

True. My nurse also said that they'll shave the pubic line, where the incision will be, when doing a c-section.

BFab11 · November 2011

It's outdated. It was done with the belief that no hair was cleaner, but now it's accepted that shaving in the hospital immediately before delivery could actually increase the risk of infections because of nicks/cuts, etc. It makes sense to shave for surgery for visibility and a clean scar.

spolan · November 2011

They totally still shave here. I will be getting waxed at 36 weeks. No way I am gonna be itchy and recovering. Lol.

AnnieTater · November 2011

I would like to get a wax, too. I can do some blind shaving, but blind scissoring has proven itself dangerous.

Sashgat2012 · November 2011

I thought about this, too! I'm freaked out that with all that extra blood flow and tingly nerves down there that I would pull a Steve Carell from 40yo virgin on the table ("oooohhhhhh Kelly Clarkson!!). But since it literally took 30min to shave two days ago...I might have to just get some lady balls and do it anyway!

spolan · November 2011

Sashgat2012:
I thought about this, too! I'm freaked out that with all that extra blood flow and tingly nerves down there that I would pull a Steve Carell from 40yo virgin on the table ("oooohhhhhh Kelly Clarkson!!). But since it literally took 30min to shave two days ago...I might have to just get some lady balls and do it anyway!

Just make sure it's not too long. I made that mistake around 18 weeks. OUCH. Other than that, it hurts more than it normally would and gets a little inflamed, but sure beats a mis-scissored crotch!

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