Health & Beauty During Pregnancy

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

Is there already a thread for this kind of stuff? If not, I thing we need one! I have so many vain things I want to ask but don't see anywhere else to really put them all. And there's a bunch, so I figured it could be a theme of it's own. Thoughts?

Either way, my first two questions are as follows:
1. Have any of you started or re-started bikini/brazilian routines during pregnancy? I officially can't see down yonder and I do try to shave, but I feel like it's a lost cause. I also fear cutting myself since I can't see what I'm doing. I'm debating going back to waxing. I used to do it all the time but stopped because it got too expensive. I'm loving my pregnant body minus this one little area...she needs to get her sh*t together and stay nice down there for DH if nothing else. I'm just worried that it's going to be way too sensitive now and I'll regret the decision if I do decide to start doing it. Maybe just regular bikini and not brazilian?

2. Do you have any exercises to keep your thighs and butt area in check? Until the past week or so the only place I have gained weight is my belly - obvs - and I get that I've probably been lucky with that. But last week I noticed that my thighs were looking and feeling REALLY flabby, not just pregnancy weight bigger but like flabby yucky bigger from lack of exercise. I admittedly haven't been working out like I used to, and while I'm obviously not looking to lose weight, I do want to start doing some things to keep this stuff in check so that it doesn't go overboard. This could probably go for my arms, too. I don't notice a difference in them, but they've been an everlasting problem area of mine.

wtfisup · March 2014

My thighs and back are super flabby. So be it. This is not the time in my life to flip out over my squishy parts.

jshrop · March 2014

wtfisup said:
My thighs and back are super flabby. So be it. This is not the time in my life to flip out over my squishy parts.

Yep. ^this

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

Uuugh I thought about having DH help me out down there, but I just HATE hair anywhere other than my head. It's one thing that grosses me out, I think because I have so much pretty much everywhere on my body. I shave my legs every other day if not every day, my hair just grows that fast and it's dark...bleh. So you can only imagine what my nether regions look like, and I def have more hair down there than I did before and it's darker, especially on the sides. I have to do something to at least clean it up in the front/thigh-crease area so I don't have to feel it.

I'm not looking to tone up, per se, and I'm def not flipping out (I actually LOVE my body now more than I ever have before - go figure!), just looking for simple low impact exercises that are safe to keep everything in check so I'm not "starting from scratch" after baby is here...if that makes sense. We're going on vacation 3 weeks after baby's EDD, and there's a steep hill that we have to walk up several times a day, so I don't want to be struggling with that too much, either, and I'm sure any leg exercises will help with that, too.

curlylocks3 · March 2014

emilyh107 said:

1. Hell no to the waxes. I usually keep it clean down there but now that I can't see anything, I don't really care. I'll have DF trim the sides and keep it from being too crazy. 2. I'm not doing much to tone up right now but squats/lunges are awesome for thighs and butt area. I do try to get on the treadmill still a good bit, but I'm not worried about it right now. Plenty of time after baby to tone up.

Thats what I keep telling myself. I got banned from everything but swimming nearly 9 weeks ago and I kept up with that until bedrest. Does it suck to go from being an incredibly active person to a mandated couch potato? Absolutely, but I'll deal with it postpartum.

As for waxing, nope. I've had too many bad reactions to eyebrow waxing to risk having the same reaction down there. I've continued shaving regularly despite the contortions I have to go into to get around my belly. It makes me more comfortable with the lovely pregnancy discharge to keep things cleaned up.

Kinipela7 · March 2014

@futuremrsw9 - regular squats, sumo squats, alternating lunges are all really good (body weight only for now). I do them every other day or so and while I still a little bit pudgy, it makes me feel good and it doesn't take much time out of my day. You can do it while watching tv. If nothing else, if I can keep it up until the end, it will help after the baby is here. Upper body is a lost cause for me, but I still do 5lb weights and just do whatever I feel like it. It's not much, but something is better than nothing IMO.

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

@curlylocks3 said:
As for waxing, nope. I've had too many bad reactions to eyebrow waxing to risk having the same reaction down there. I've continued shaving regularly despite the contortions I have to go into to get around my belly. It makes me more comfortable with the lovely pregnancy discharge to keep things cleaned up.

This made me actually LOL at my desk. I feel you girl, I have some light and some heavy days with the discharge, but when it's heavy it's like I'm peeing my pants! I hope you're feeling well otherwise!

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

Kinipela7
Thanks! Good call on the body weight only for now, I was thinking about some of the leg machines at the gym, too, but who knows if I could even contort myself to fit onto them now anyway :-)

jshrop · March 2014

@FutureMrsW9‌ be careful with squats and lunges if you haven't been doing them to this point. Your ligaments are very loose and you can be prone to falls/injury if you haven't done them to this point. You can try leg lifts and donkey kicks while holding a chair, but honestly, watch your diet, moisturizer, and water are your best friends at this time. Then start walking baby in stroller up hills once he/she is here. Or set the incline on the treadmill to mimic a steep hill and start walking.

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

@jshrop said:

@FutureMrsW9‌ be careful with squats and lunges if you haven't been doing them to this point. Your ligaments are very loose and you can be prone to falls/injury if you haven't done them to this point. You can try leg lifts and donkey kicks while holding a chair, but honestly, watch your diet, moisturizer, and water are your best friends at this time. Then start walking baby in stroller up hills once he/she is here. Or set the incline on the treadmill to mimic a steep hill and start walking.

I have been doing yoga - do you think that'll lessen any injury with new exercises at all?

jshrop · March 2014

Not sure. You'll have to be super careful. Maybe use a chair for support at first. I've read no lunges while preggo but squats are okay. Make sure your form is spot on before you get into it, and body weight only. I think that third tri especially isn't a great time to start a new workout but it's something you should probably bring up to your doc or midwife before starting.

PressLove · March 2014

I missed my Brazilian appt, but will reschedule it this week. My goal is to keep going as long as I can manage.

My legs are flabby. However, I have been taking a prenatal Pilates class throughout to strengthen my core. We do a number of squats and leg lifts. I need to do more at home.

mrscbrad · March 2014

My BFF got me the "What to Expect" workout when I found out I was pregnant since I was pretty active pre-pregnancy but just wasn't comfortable running anymore or doing my regular HIIT workouts. It's set up in 10 minute segments of cardio,strength, and yoga. You can mix and match. It's easier than pre-pregnancy for sure but it's been vetted to be safe in any trimester and still challenges me. I'm still doing 30 minutes of it everyday really comfortably. Plus the yoga is the only thing that gets me through the day with the back pain/sciatica. As for the waxing... I'm still shaving though it's like hide-n-go- seek at the this point. I don't think now would be the time to have anything even mildly traumatic happen in the nether regions.

Brittnic531 · March 2014

Ok, I have a question in regards to maintenance for the lady bits. This pregnancy has seriously made things a bit thicker and longer down yonder and it's driving me nuts. I try to avoid shaving (until necessary) because no matter what I've tried, I get awful razor burn. I'm not going to try waxing until after baby is here, so I wanted to try using an actual trimmer... Does anyone have good suggestions? Or does it matter as long as it gets the job done?

Sorry I don't have any advice of my own! I've also been wondering about arm exercises because I'm afraid I'll be so out of shape when she's born and be sore carrying around her car seat!

wtfisup · March 2014

Dittoing PPs on the injury proneness: I have injured myself pretty much every time I've done anything new with my body. Even vigorous walking apparently brought on enough belly bouncing to injure a round ligament. And leaning over a table while organizing hundreds of name tags injured my back.

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

@Brittnic531 said:

Ok, I have a question in regards to maintenance for the lady bits. This pregnancy has seriously made things a bit thicker and longer down yonder and it's driving me nuts. I try to avoid shaving (until necessary) because no matter what I've tried, I get awful razor burn. I'm not going to try waxing until after baby is here, so I wanted to try using an actual trimmer... Does anyone have good suggestions? Or does it matter as long as it gets the job done? Sorry I don't have any advice of my own! I've also been wondering about arm exercises because I'm afraid I'll be so out of shape when she's born and be sore carrying around her car seat!

I worry about the sore arms, too. We did some painting this weekend, and I'm a weirdo who actually likes to paint. After just one door my arm was sooo sore and out of shape. Makes me worry about fatigue when carrying baby......

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

@wtfisup said:

Dittoing PPs on the injury proneness: I have injured myself pretty much every time I've done anything new with my body. Even vigorous walking apparently brought on enough belly bouncing to injure a round ligament. And leaning over a table while organizing hundreds of name tags injured my back.

Uuuugh I'm sorry, that doesn't sound pleasant. :-( Hopefully you bounce back quickly once LO is here!

ncbelle · March 2014

No advice on the grooming as I'm a "natural" in that department although I guess I'd say really it does.not.matter unless you are just personally bothered by it for some reason.

As for exercise, if you've been doing nothing to this point, really walking is about all you should attempt - and even then take it slow. I do lots of squats and lunges but I've been doing them all along. Squats are also great birth prep.

ElTrain5 · March 2014

I recommend finding a prenatal pilates class. It helps more with toning and strengthening above and beyond prenatal yoga.

lest12 · March 2014

3rd trimester isn't the time to 'tone up' and worry about vacation 3 weeks pp, IMO.

The pretty standard answer to this question is to do what you've been doing before/during pregnancy up to this point. If you want to add any new exercises in, I would check with your doctor first.

I certainly wouldn't get on the leg machines at the gym if I hadn't used them in the last 6 months.

lizok22 · March 2014

I had a brazilian wax when I was pregnant with my first son and it killed. I was in the 3rd trimester and the blood flow to your skin is so much more intense when pregnant, it was unbelievably painful. I would never do that again. I blindly shave with a razor.

But I actually grow less hair on my body in pregnancy. i have had to shave my legs and armpits only a few times. Weird.

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

@Tdonatoni said:

I'm starting to debate getting waxed. I can't see to shave as normal, I tried to use my trimmer the other day but I pretty much gave myself a reverse landing strip (DH thought it was hilarious) and the last time I asked DH to help he enjoyed it too much but gave me the worst razor burn. I'd really like to get in the pool so I need a solution pronto! As far a exercise goes, I've been keeping up on prenatal yoga. The goddess pose can be quiet the burner for butt and thighs.

I was thinking about having DH help, but the fear of razor burn made me to decide against that. I've already cut myself underneath, so I've completely stopped trying underneath and it's getting so overgrown and uncomfortable, I can't stand it!

And, true, goddess pose is a good one!! It's similar to squats...hmmm....

temursgirl · March 2014

1. I've maintained my regular waxing schedule (Brazilian). The area is way more sensitive during pregnancy. If you haven't waxed before or in quite a while, you might want to go with a regular bikini wax for now.

2. I've also maintained something approximating my regular workout schedule. I do Pilates twice a week and some brisk walking twice a week. I have had to cut back on both Pilates and cardio. I have to modify most positions in Pilates at this point and I get winded and tired way more easily when walking (I am slower and can't go as far). I do think both of these help with maintaining tone, but even then I'm not how I usually am. I know my Pilates instructor does not like people to start while pregnant if they've never done it before, but a pre-natal class might be appropriate for you.

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

lizok22 I'm so jealous!!!!! I have so much hair to begin with, and now it's even worse and the hair that I did have is darker and more coarse. My pubic hair has migrated past my leg crease (RE one of the major reasons I posted my OP), and my stomach is completely covered in hair to the point that I do get that waxed every couple weeks now because I don't want to shave it and risk scars, though this started during IF treatments and just got worse once I actually got pregnant. I also have some lovely little whiskers on my chin and neck that I never had before...it's all super cute :-p

FutureMrsW9 · March 2014

Thanks ladies! My doctor actually said that starting exercise while pregnant is perfectly safe and encouraged as long as you don't go from sedentary to training for a marathon, which I obviously wouldn't do. And I haven't been sedentary, I just got benched during IF treatments and really haven't picked back up to where I was so I'm feeling really blah lately. Maybe I just need sun in Jersey and endorphins! I'm healthy enough and she said just to go slow with anything new or different that I try, and in the end it's better for both me and baby. So I might try a few of the things that you've all mentioned! :-)

As for waxing, I'm still so torn. I think I might just try a regular bikini wax in addition to the tummy waxes that I've been getting all along. At least it'll be something to clean up the extra pregnancy hair down there. I cut myself underneath a couple weeks ago simply because I couldn't see. I'm not one of those people who can go natural, I just can't! It's so incredibly uncomfortable, idk how some of you do it! More props to ya!

allrightmeow · March 2014

Im pro wax. Ive been doing it for so long that If I keep semi regular nothing really grows back super bushy. Im going to try to get one in next week.

I loathe shaving and would never want to shave down there blind.

kittenslove · March 2014

I have had to severely limit my exercise, but I am allowed to do prenatal yoga. I use an Ipad app that has different routines for the different trimesters. I am not so worried about my thighs/butt, but I did just say I would like to tone my arms some more. I am afraid of adding anything in, but plan to ask the doctor about small free weight exercises (2 lb weights) until delivery. I have a routine I used in the past, not much but does the job. Will let you know what she says!

As far as down there - I always kept it trim, but not shaven (except bikini line). I can still see, so I haven't had a hard time that way, but did recently switched to using scissors exclusively (no razor). I am just too sensitive right now, and it feels like razor burn, not worth it imo. If I was actually going to be in a bathing suit, I would shave, but I'm not and DH doesn't mind. However, I would NOT do waxing right now. Maybe if I was into a routine, but with how sensitive I am right now, I just don't think it would be worth the pain to try for the first time in over a year.

mslovesbo · March 2014

I will shave until I go into labor. I have been shaving since the hair came in the first time. It is too uncomfortable for me now to let it grow out, for looks but mostly for feel. I can't go more than a week without irritation from the re-growth, so this is an area of no compromise for me. Right now I am basically going off of muscle memory, since it is difficult to see, but if it gets too bad in the next 10 weeks I will call in reinforcement from DH. Not sure what I will do for recovery...but then everything down there will be uncomfortable so I doubt I will notice it as much.

I have been having the same thoughts on exercising, but I will probably take the most popular opinion of previous posters and just leave it to light walks...since I haven't done anything strenuous in a looong time (even before pregnancy). I don't want to stress my body any more than it already is at this point...even though my legs and booty need some toning.

Read247 · March 2014

Here's my exercise routine:

Can't do it anymore though. I'm not stressing. Screw it I'm pregnant. Plenty of time to get my body back after the baby comes.

kcartwright12 · April 2014

My legs and butt are flabby and not very attractive right now. I would love to work out, but after working all day coming home working out is not gonna happen. Plus, I usually have BH contractions in the evening. So I usually end up on my left side resting. There will be plenty of time to get toned up after baby arrives.

ddd2 · April 2014

I'm hardly walking anymore and I see the flab coming on fast! So I spray tanned .. I feel just fine walking around in shorts now

what a difference. I actually did it specifically after trying on outfits for my maternity shots.. Worst shopping experience ever! I shaved what I could in the bath the other day.. I have a coochi mullet now smh. Business on top and party down low.. What a mess. I just get so out of breath leaning over! Going to make a second attempt to trim the bottom before things get too uneven. The razor burn itch is getting to be a bit much though

nikki0808 · April 2014

ddd2 said:
... I just get so out of breath leaning over!...

This... I feel like any attempt at grooming is my workout. It may not be as effective as a workout, but I sure do leave the bathroom all tired and out of breath... ((Sigh))

jmknox · April 2014

Squats and pelvic rocks! You tube has some free prenatal yoga you can do too. Thankfully I did laser hair removal several years ago and it's still going strong! I hated waxing before...

AandJ28 · April 2014

Question on the waxing... I have been able to shave and keep it clean down there but last week decided to get a bikini wax. (I've gotten them in the past and been fine) It didn't hurt as much as I remember but I broke out in the worst case of ingrown hair ever! It's still not cleared up (and this Friday will be 2 weeks since the wax) and I wonder if this is because of the increased blood flow or a bad wax. I went to the same place I've always gone and have another appointment scheduled for next week. I'm wondering if I should keep the appointment and tell the woman what happened to see what she thinks or should I cancel the appointment and just try and keep it clean shaven...

I was hoping to wax for the remainder so it was nice and clean but I was thoroughly embarrassed when I was in L&D last week because of how bad the "wax burn" was and I don't want to pay to look like that again.

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

Read247 said:

Here's my exercise routine: Can't do it anymore though. I'm not stressing. Screw it I'm pregnant. Plenty of time to get my body back after the baby comes.

HAHAHA love Jenna Marbles!!

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

@jmknox said:

Squats and pelvic rocks! You tube has some free prenatal yoga you can do too. Thankfully I did laser hair removal several years ago and it's still going strong! I hated waxing before...

Laser hair removal is the first thing on my list for after babies! Especially now that I have the gross hair on my tummy and waxing it just doesn't really cut it :-( How expensive were your treatments, and what body parts did you do, if you don't mind me asking? I know it's expensive, but I complain about it to DH all the time, so I think he'll let me splurge on this!

FutureMrsW9 · April 2014

@AandJ28 said:

Question on the waxing... I have been able to shave and keep it clean down there but last week decided to get a bikini wax. (I've gotten them in the past and been fine) It didn't hurt as much as I remember but I broke out in the worst case of ingrown hair ever! It's still not cleared up (and this Friday will be 2 weeks since the wax) and I wonder if this is because of the increased blood flow or a bad wax. I went to the same place I've always gone and have another appointment scheduled for next week. I'm wondering if I should keep the appointment and tell the woman what happened to see what she thinks or should I cancel the appointment and just try and keep it clean shaven...

I was hoping to wax for the remainder so it was nice and clean but I was thoroughly embarrassed when I was in L&D last week because of how bad the "wax burn" was and I don't want to pay to look like that again.

Uuuugh this actually always happens to me when I wax anywhere with really coarse hair :-( Even my belly has been getting it a bit now that I have to wax it. Let me know if you get any good tips or info, as I've tried just about everything! I will say the only thing that has helped, not completely remedied, but def helped, is the exfoliator gel that European Wax Center makes. It smells kinda tropical, but you do see all of the dead skin coming off, and everyday I get another ingrown or two to pop out...so it is doing something.

temursgirl · April 2014

@AandJ28‌ a properly done wax shouldn't result in too many ingrown hairs, so one possibility is that it wasn't done right. If the hairs are broken off below the skin instead of pulled out from the root that can happen. The other possibilities are 1) it's been too long since you waxed. The first time you wax an area it might result in ingrowns, but subsequent waxes shouldn't. Don't know why, but I've been told it's the case and it's true for me; 2) your hair is very fine. Fine hair has more difficulty breaking the skin, so can result in ingrowns.

SkyAngelMommy · April 2014

I had laser removal and it was the BEST decision ever! all those waxes were just toooo much! ive been doing yoga and pilates just like before i was pregnant. I hate not moving around and ive gotta look good for my man!

Silvermystique13 · April 2014

Pretty much going to stick with shaving what I can reach til I can't reach anything anymore. After that, I might enlist the help of a friend or my roommate, as they are both female and therefore SHOULD be gentler/more careful than DH would possibly be. As for exercise, I've sorta been SOL as the first 2 trimesters I was so nauseous I couldn't do anything other than walk, and now I'm so big (at least it feels as such!) that the only thing I CAN do is walk. DH keeps saying about doing yoga, which I wouldn't mind, but the only yoga DVD I have, I tried before I got pregnant and I hurt myself trying to do the exercises, so I'm sorta wary about doing it again while pregnant. I have a yoga ball, I'm hoping that'll help *fingers crossed*.

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