To shave or not to shave? That is my question...

PregoPuma · April 2012

I've heard that it's better to be shaved 'down there' when you go into labor just in case you need an episiotomy or if you tear and need to be stitched back up the Dr. can see the tissue better & do a better job without any hair in the way.

On the other hand, I would imagine after delivery if there are stitches you can't shave it again for awhile & as it's growing back in it would be itchy and uncomfortable??

I normally shave but I'm wondering if I should grow it out so I don't feel so "over-exposed" while in labor - or maybe I won't even care being that all my parts will be out on display anyway? Any 2nd time mom's have any experience with this? Better to have hair or be hairless going into labor? What do you ladies plan to do? TIA

Tippy05 · April 2012

I'll be as clean shaven as possible. I was last time too and am glad I was since I had to have an emergency c-section. While I was on the table I heard one of the nurses ask if I was shaven. If I hadn't been, they would have shaven me right there on the table and likely hacked me just to have access to that area. As far as episiotomies, I don't know.

I say better to be shaven than not, just in case.

maggiemooandyou · April 2012

It doesn't matter really. Where they would need to do stitches for an episiotomy there really isn't much hair anyway. As long as it's not babushka'd out (and you say you shave mostly anyway) who cares. There is no way I'm showing up in there looking like a little girl all shaved up on top, and then look like a bush hog hit a few stumps on the bottom of my lady bits. I forewarned the girls I work with- It's hairy down there, trimmed, but covered up. It's ugly- thats why god put hair on it... lol then I think to myself- well damn he put hair on our heads too ahahahaha

Mine will be trimmed low, but still hair there, I don't want to be all slicked up, plus I wouldn't be able to reach ---allll the way under there to shave-- lol, and i wouldn't want to be half shaved and half jacked up haha

wheelsonthebus · April 2012

I honestly don't know how you girls are still doing a good job trimming and shaving down there. I shaved a few weeks ago and it just looked ridiculous with all the spots I missed. I'm trying to keep it from being a total bush, but there is only so much I can do at this point. And I just don't feel comfortable letting my H shave it for me.

bornmommy · April 2012

Too be honest, I am so much more uncomfortable shaven than natural. Because of this, I never shave. I trim a bit but never full on shave. I don't see what the big deal is with it either...the hair grows there to protect you. Aesthetically, it also looks better to me left alone. I think I look pre-pubescent if its completely shaven which freaks me out!

I think hair growing back would be super uncomfortable if you do require stitches but I've never had them down there so I don't know! I just know its already uncomfortable when if grows back without stitches!! lol

maggiemooandyou · April 2012

bornmommy:

Too be honest, I am so much more uncomfortable shaven than natural. Because of this, I never shave. I trim a bit but never full on shave. I don't see what the big deal is with it either...the hair grows there to protect you. Aesthetically, it also looks better to me left alone. I think I look pre-pubescent if its completely shaven which freaks me out!

I think hair growing back would be super uncomfortable if you do require stitches but I've never had them down there so I don't know! I just know its already uncomfortable when if grows back without stitches!! lol

THIS IS EXACTLY how I feel! There is no way I would ever want to feel like I needed to take a grill brush to my junk because I thought of the bright idea to shave before delivery lol.. much less if I had to have a c/s. Keep in mind they use clippers to shave to before surgery, and it's mainly just the c/s line, so it doesn't itch like the dickens after surgery from new growth. They could care less how much hair you have on your labia for a c/s.

fryrat · April 2012

I was told not to shave after 36 weeks, because of the increased swelling and increased chance for bleeding if you nick just a little. (I'd rather have no bleeding to worry about, even if it's not coming from inside)

If they need to shave you at the hospital for any reason, they will more than likely use a safety razor. That's the kind that they use pre surgery for other body hair that needs removing. If they do, it's not like you'll really care post partum. It will grow back before you will be approved for anything "down there" and you can trim/shave/whatever after the fact.

Travis1027 · April 2012

wheelsonthebus:
I honestly don't know how you girls are still doing a good job trimming and shaving down there. I shaved a few weeks ago and it just looked ridiculous with all the spots I missed. I'm trying to keep it from being a total bush, but there is only so much I can do at this point. And I just don't feel comfortable letting my H shave it for me.

Hahah! I just go by feel, I'm sure if I were to actually LOOK at my shave job, I'd be horrified. Stick out tongue

thatbirthdaygirl · April 2012

I don't shave down there, just trim because I have crazy sensitive skin and it just gets itchy and bumpy if I shave. That being said, I've had 2 episitomies and nothing was mentioned to me about the amount of hair down there. I don't think it matters.

Travis1027 · April 2012

People have been having babies since the beginning of time and I'm almost positive that they didn't have razors or even consider trimming back then. If, for any reason, your doctor feels like you need a trim to help you heal or make anything easier...they'll take care of it for you I'm sure. However awkward that may be.

MrsWP · April 2012

ugh! I totally prefer to be clean shaven, but I can't shave without getting ingrown hairs as it starts to grow back and THAT hurts like the dickens... So I've given up and I just opt for a trim so that I don't get anything in it... just feels cleaner that way!

lnh2008 · April 2012

I would shave. My first time around I didn't shave and had to have a c-section. My nurse didn't do a good job. So I had an incision, bad hair cut, and terrible itching since she used a sub par razor.

I'm having 3peat C/S and plan to get waxed a few days prior.

appylovee · April 2012

I shaved. I had a c section, but even if I wasn't I still would shave.

PregoPuma · April 2012

Me too, by feel. At first I was worried I would cut myself since I can't see a darn thing down there but so far so good

desertsun · April 2012

I'm in the trimming but no shaving camp.

Even trimming is becoming quite difficult, TBH. It's kind of a jungle down there. But whatever. I'm sure the doctors/nurses have seen it all.

photogmommystacy · April 2012

No opinion on shaving or not shaving, but I just wanted to chime in that you will totally not care about anything while you're delivering

. Anyone could have walked in the room while I was spread eagle for everyone to see and it wouldn't have phased me a bit. I believe a group of students walked in at one point and I was like, "whatever...". Your mind is on other things and you get checked so many times...it just doesn't matter

.

melrrr · April 2012

I trim and shave my bikini line out of habit, but that's it. They no longer shave women as part of a routine. I tore and did not have to be shaved to be stitched up. As for it affecting a C-section incision, they're already going to have to cut high in that even because my placenta is right where they'd normally cut.

BelleIsa · April 2012

stacykrager:
No opinion on shaving or not shaving, but I just wanted to chime in that you will totally not care about anything while you're delivering . Anyone could have walked in the room while I was spread eagle for everyone to see and it wouldn't have phased me a bit. I believe a group of students walked in at one point and I was like, "whatever...". Your mind is on other things and you get checked so many times...it just doesn't matter .

This! Also, I've had several doctors/midwives say that it doesn't matter at all (RE: stitches) if you are shaved or not.

hoping4sticky · April 2012

Um yeah pretty sure that everyone involved with L&D knows it is a messy unglamorous process. They will likely be to busy cleaning up poop and blood to be concerned with hair. If I had a csection scheduled I might do it myself though.

Ive been using electric trimmers. Neat enough and much less risk of injury.

stemms8810 · April 2012

theresat858:
Um, I can't see down there and therefore I refuse to shave down there. Doctors are used to seeing it all and will deal with it as needed.

Yeah, all of this. I think whether you are shaven or not while in labor/giving birth will be the least of your worries. They have seen everything so I really wouldn't worry about it.

wheelsonthebus · April 2012

BelleIsa:

stacykrager:
No opinion on shaving or not shaving, but I just wanted to chime in that you will totally not care about anything while you're delivering . Anyone could have walked in the room while I was spread eagle for everyone to see and it wouldn't have phased me a bit. I believe a group of students walked in at one point and I was like, "whatever...". Your mind is on other things and you get checked so many times...it just doesn't matter .

This! Also, I've had several doctors/midwives say that it doesn't matter at all (RE: stitches) if you are shaved or not.

This is so true. I was rocking a 1970's style crotch with DS and there had to be 100 people in the delivery room. I couldn't have cared less. haha

slcarter9114 · April 2012

Shave! You will appreciate it with the blood. Eck. I actually thought about shaving the night before I had her (didn't know I would be having her) but I couldn't see down there so I just shaved my legs. I totally wish I would of. When I got home I did a rough shaving because of my staples.

Winterfun · April 2012

I had to be stitched back up after my first. When I asked about it after the doctr was very understanding, she explained that the part they end up stitching ends up inside after you give birth.

SFESQMOM1 · April 2012

I prefer no hair down there, so I've been pretty consistent with my brazilian waxes. For me, it just makes me feel cleaner, especially knowing the "mess" that's to come down there with all the blood and discharge and what not. Just my 2 cents.

Want a personalized experience?

To shave or not to shave? That is my question...

Re: To shave or not to shave? That is my question...

Choose Another Board

Search Boards