Hair removal before c-section

[JennaRainbow]

I posted this morning about waxing but realised I should just ask it generally! Section next week and not sure the best method. Nurse shaving me isn't appealing or the quick regrowth through the scar.

What would you do/have you done?

[SolitudeSometimesIs]

I had a CS with DS1, I wasn't planning a CS but I knew I wanted a neat and tidy "area" in case of stitching and lochia. I had an extended bikini wax ( a californian) the week before I was due. I'm due in Jan and plan to have another wax prior to the birth.

It's not ultra painful getting waxed that late in pregnancy, but getting on and off the table can be a pain. Get the waxer to put extra towels under you so that you're not lying flat on your back, it just makes it more comfortable.

[Bellini28]

I have a c section in the morning. I was going to wax this week but a preparatory wax one month ago resulted in some bumps and itching.. So unfortunately I'm going to shave myself and hope for the best! Bit worried about regrowth through incision. Maybe some more ladies will pop on and enlighten us... Got pregnant before my Lazer hair removal was done... So all grew back :(
Ps I found the wax excruciating and I'm no stranger to it!!

[NoIHaventHadTheBabyYet]

Midwife usually advises to keep to your usual hair removal routine, she said if you shave don't do it 2 weeks before or closer to the section day.
She said other hair removal methods were ok still, if you don't do hair removal then a midwife or other person will shave you just before the section, from my experience and a few friends who told me, that this is true.
They just shave the area where the cut will be and nowhere else. They just do it discreetly and you barely notice with everything else going on ;)

[MabelBee]

I would wax, as low down as you dare. Mine was an EMCS and they shaved it pretty much all off at the front, and the regrowth itching was severe, which coupled with the swelling was quite uncomfortable.

[cathpip]

The section scar is on your knicker line, mine is about 2 cms above my area, so regrowth through the scar is very unlikely. I like my area neat and tidy anyway and managed to shave before both my sections, the mid wife did ask if she could check though!

[Handbagsonnhold]

I had an elective and one of the first things nurse asked me was if I'd sorted 'area' although I'd had a wax a week before ( leaving a small strip) she still took about half an inch from top....I was surprised just how low down scar is.... Very neat and tidy although still a tiny bit numb 3.5 years on. Good luck! X

[JennaRainbow]

Thank you all so much for your advice, it's a hairy minefield out there!

[Notonthisplanet]

I wasn't shaved when I had my section two years ago didn't think they did anymore, something about the regrowth around wound could cause infection. Could be wrong though

[Summergarden]

Gosh this is all an eye opener to me. Had an em csection 2 years ago, and I'm pretty sure they didn't shave me or anything and I don't usually do much other than a bit of trimming with scissors.

[MrsSpencerReid]

I wasn't shaved before my section, it hasn't even occurred to me to get waxed before this one either!!

[NoIHaventHadTheBabyYet]

Hairy Minefield - a possible new name for a ladygarden

[DIYandEatCake]

I was told off for shaving before my elcs - no one had ever told me not to and I did as I hated the thought of a nurse doing it - but hospital were very disapproving, something to do with infection? Anyway, I was very glad I had, the dressing was very sticky and agony to pull off smooth skin, the thought of it stuck to hair... [shudders]

[Tinyflutterby]

DIY, I was the same as you - got a lecture at my last mw appointment for shaving and told to leave it (2 weeks 'til my ELCS) as they would do it. Also to do with ingrown hair/infection. Now the regrowth itching is driving me CRAZY!

[AuditAngel]

With DD1 the midwife asked if I had shaved, I pointed out that as I had been an inpatient for over 3 weeks and could not see, nor was I a contortionist to see in their mirror, no I hadn't. She did it!

With DD2 I had an emcs, I asked about this, but was told they now use clippers in theatre.

[baggyoldcow]

I guess it depends on how hairy you are near where they want to cut, which is above the hairy bit anyway (so don't worry about air growing through the scar). I've had 3 CSes and the nurses shaved me. It was no big deal though the re-growth was a bit itchy. They just do it with an electric razor in about 2 seconds. If you are a regular waxer / shaver I really can't see why you shouldn't do it yourself in advance though.

[baggyoldcow]

sorry that was meant to say hair growing through the scar, obvs!