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Before you plan to get Brazilian wax during pregnancy, pay attention to these 5 things

Brazilian wax during pregnancy can be a tricky affair. Here’s unveiling the mystery behind hair removal from your genital area during that time.
brazilian wax during pregnancy
If you’re planning to do hair removal down there during pregnancy, keep a few things in mind. GIF courtesy: Sex in the city via GIPHY
Sonakshi Kohli Published: 19 Feb 2020, 13:09 pm IST
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Once upon a time in the Western countries, a gynaecologist’s clinic was incomplete without a poster asking women to remove their pubic hair before getting into labour. In fact, many hospitals took it upon themselves to do the needful and shaved off pubic hair of expecting mothers before they popped out their babies.

But with no scientific evidence to support the claim of this hair removal reducing the risk of infection in the mother/baby, the idea became less relevant with time. Also, gradually, better sense prevailed and women realised it was absolutely natural to go au naturel down there and that nobody except them had the right to decide whether they should go clean or mean.

That said, there is no denying the fact that a major section of women still like to keep things bare down there. So, let’s just address their concerns and discuss the five must-know things about getting a Brazilian wax during pregnancy:

First and foremost, it won’t decrease the risk of infection during delivery
I’ve already mentioned how there’s no evidence supporting that weird claim. There is however, sufficient evidence showing that our pubic hair acts as traps for dirt and bacteria and stops them from entering the vagina. With those traps gone, how would you fulfil that need? And with no protection against the external agents, you’re more prone to infections.

brazilian wax during pregnancy
Brazilian wax – Yay or nay?

It might hurt more
If you’re habitual to the Brazilian waxing ritual, you might think you know exactly how much pulling off that strip off would hurt. You probably are even confident about your threshold for pain being high enough to let that pass. However, things might change during pregnancy. 

As per a journal, published in 2012, an increase in the oestrogen levels in the body during pregnancy can lead to an increased sensitivity of the skin. This could result in the waxing becoming more painful than usual for you. Ouch!

You might think you need it more than ever
According to a study led by Dr Tomislav Meštrović, MD, Ph.D.,  women can experience excessive hair growth during pregnancy—thanks to the high levels of estrogen in the body that totally encourages vigorous growth. Although, it is most likely to come back under control post pregnancy, it surely can be difficult to live with a bush in the meanwhile, especially if you’re used to the regular grooming.

Also, read: 8 natural home remedies to get rid of ingrown hair–now and forever!

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It can create room for infection
The cuts or burns due to the hot wax and pulling of the strips can make you vulnerable to infections—especially in case you go for a C-section instead of a normal delivery. This is well-documented in a 2015 study, published in the Journal of Hospital Infection. 

Not to mention, the use of unhygienic tools like an desensitised wax applicator or unwashed towels could also make you prone to infections.

You’ve got to be careful with your positions
If you’ve got a Brazilian waxing done before, you probably even know how sometimes, the waxing lady demands  you to change positions in order to get a better grip of the genital hair. If you’re pregnant, you obviously need to be absolutely careful about not sitting or lying down in a posture that could be potentially harmful for the baby. 

So, keep the above-mentioned pointers in mind and then go forward. 

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Twenty kilos down and struggling to maintain the weight loss by preaching healthy eating, while eating unhealthy every now and then. ...Read More

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