c-section prep - shave / wax?

Hi

I am going in for a c-section next wednesday (@ 37wks - due to valementous cord insertion, fibroids, IUGR etc etc).

It is only just hitting me now that after all this time of me wondering whether it would all work out, that it is actually going to happen next week. So amongst the stress of not having bought a thing to prepare (will need to leave that up to DH and family) I've realised that I haven't been able to see my bikini line for some months. It has been left to its own devices and I know it needs attention.

I've read that they shave before a c-section. Wondering whether anyone out there has any suggestions or experience re whether I should get a bikini (and leg whilst I'm at it) wax before next wednesday? Does it hurt more with an extended abdomen? If I got it done on Monday or Tuesday next week would it look bad (ie red and spotty for wednesday as that might look worse that the real thing).

I've read that all modesty goes out of the window with the birthing process (and I have my RN qualification so I know that nurses don't give a rats about things like that) but if they are going to be inserting a catheter then I would like to be all sorted down there. I am having trouble fixing my self up after going to the loo let alone waxing or shaving.

Also I've read that they shave your stomach as well. That can't be right? Wonder why they would do that.

It seems strange that I am thinking about this, maybe it takes my mind off the other things that would stress me more (with good reason).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Tucs

Hi,

For both my c-sections I got a wax.. They didnt shave my belly - never heard of them
doing that before. I wish you all the very best for next week.

I did a general "tidy up" down there with some clipper type things - but didn't go the wax or full shave or anything - heard it wasn't a good idea to do that because of the risk of infections and stuff...

They did do a shave anyway - just the top part of the pubic area - just to get it to their liking.

Never touched my tum though..

Definately go the wax mate. I have always waxed, but after my c/s 3 weeks ago I couldn't think of anything worse than having any itchy stubble annoying me.
Waxing during my pg didn't feel any more painful than when not pg.
Best of luck with your c/s.

They shave the top of your pubic area 1 so that they can cut without bits of hair falling in and causing infection and 2ndly the tape hurts enought to pull off let alone give u a brazillan with a sore belly.

I dont know if i would manage a wax when preg down there but if you brave go for it, i have had 4 brazillans even and each time i thought what am i doing!!

I have had two thoughts about this,

I personally don't think I would bother wasting time to wax, as you have said, Nurses don't usually worry too much about that sort of thing and I think you should consider regrowth.... ie ingrown hairs.

The reason I mention this is that I had a few ingrown hairs after my c-sec. It was an emergency so I underwent a shave at the last min (no shaving of the belly tho!) I think ingrown hairs are likely due to the new skin growing to heal the scar.

I always find that I am more likely to get ingrowns with with waxing rather than shaving unless I am attentive with exfoliation. It is worth keeping in mind that after the arrival of your little one it is sometime difficult to find time to spend on ourselves!!

On the other hand, if it is really important to you, it could form a part of the ritual for you as you get yourself ready to welcome your baby. Spending some time taking care of yourself and focusing on getting everything (within your control) just right.

Best of luck with whatever you decide and with the excitement of the next few weeks :D

Wax - it makes it easier to get the dressing off if you don't have regrowth to contend with.

Nother waxer here. Get it done tomorrow if you can (Saturday) so any inflammation has time to subside.
From a theatre nurses point of view - we don't really care, but regrowth sucks when it is ripped out by a dressing and hospital supplied razors are never great so it's never 'smooth' IYKWIM?
It stings a tiny bit more when preg but so so worth it as your wound should be almost healed by the time you start to get any regrowth from waxing - much less risk of infection too as shaving nicks the skin and waxing doesn't

I had a wax, Basically a full bikini with a bit left at the front so it didn't look completely odd. I just thought it would be strange with a big belly and looking like a 5yo. The hair that was left was crooked though:redface:. It did make maintenance after easier and it was good not having the top of my bikini line shaved and it all clippered. The Nurses were relieved they didn't have to do that as it was an emerg c-section and it was one less thing. Getting it done hurt, OMG, and I had had a full bikini done plenty of times before. They do say waxing hurts more when you are pregnant. BEcuase I had to lie sort of on my back, (tried to lie to one sidebut didn't work) I did find I felt dizzy a bit and had to get her to stop and rest. They did warn me beforehand that they had had people go into labour after the wax. Didn't happen to me but after he felt very very low and I thought I may go into labour, I did end up having pre-labour for the next week.
It is up to you how much you get taken off. You could just get a clip and a neaten up. You could buy yourself a bikini trimmer and do it blind, but clip on about number 1 or 2, don't go shorter on otherwise you will end up bald in some spots and could cut yourself.
If you decide to do nothing about the bikini lineit is fine too
Good luck for the birth

I must admit that I didn't realise so many people even thought about things like that...lol. I had my c/s 15 years ago and didn't even think about anything like that at all..haha. They shaved the top part as others have said, not my tummy though. Mind you, I've never waxed as I just can't stand the pain of things like that. It's bad enough on the eyebrows at times..lol.

With my C-sec i had a brazillian.. BEST THING I EVER DID.. not only for the cutting etc,,, but for the bleeding afterwards etc, i did feel much cleaner..

I will be having a brazillian again close to my due date.. if i might need a c-sec again!

I had professional waxes done with DS 6yrs ago and made sure i had one a week or so before my c.section date.
This time round I had a wax when I was about 6wks preg and teh hormones made it all grow back in about a week!!!:doh:
So to save on $ and pain (though its not too bad really) I am waiting till I am further along and will get it done regular in the last few mths. I am hoping to VBAC but want to be tidier down there for a vag birth or another c.section. Its just cleaner and easier and afterwards one less thing to worry about imo.
I wouldnt get a brazillian though, just a decent bikini/hikini wax.

I would get it waxed, shaving can be itchy and grow back alot quicker, which is the last thing you wanna worry about after having a c/s. If you get it done sunday/monday all the redness/spottyness will be gone before wed. I plan to get mine done a week or so before im due, i get full brazillian, i used to shave but its so much better when you wax. If your in Vic S.E suburbs i know a great waxer.