Wax or shave? Mother-to-be sparks debate about how to 'prepare'

One mother has sparked an internet debate after asking whether she should wax ahead of childbirth. Photo / 123ref

There are some questions we keep to ourselves out of fear of knowing the truth - and, also, embarrassment.

It might be because we assume others already know the answer and think we should too.

According to the Daily Mail, one mother took to Netmums and dared to ask a question about what to do to your 'intimate lady areas' before labour - and other mums came out in droves to help.

Posted just under two weeks ago, there are already 12 pages of answers from women who have the same worry or from those who have been through it and want to offer their advice.

Known by her username Katie M, she started the thread by saying: "So I'm just going to go ahead and just say it. What does everyone else do to prepare themselves for the birth?

"Obviously we want to look tidy down there but it's pretty hard with a huge bump in the way to see anything?

"Does anyone go for a wax, do you shave or..? I know it's a funny question but thre's so much effort involved and this time round was thinking about going for a wax though I've never done it before!"

Almost immediately, the answers from other women came pouring in and they were funny, frank and direct.

Mothers from around the world have weighed into the debate online. Photo / 123ref

Lauren W was the first to reply and said: "I wouldn't personally, your ahem 'area' is more sensitive when pregnant so maybe try shaving/sensitive hair removal cream using a mirror?"

Others however instructed Katie to do nothing and "leave it as nature intended. Far healthier."

Another joined in the conversation and said: "I wouldn't wax for the first time when pregnant... It's more sensitive. I shaved up until I couldn't physically do it anymore then I just left it!

"The midwives couldn't care less and once I was in labour I didn't either!

"Although she did shave me before stitching me up so saved me a job!!"

Katie, who had posted the original question, came back into the conversation and admitted that the others were probably right: midwives must see everything.

Having already given birth twice before, she admits she can't remember what she did before.

She says: "I couldn't bare for them to shave me to stitch me I would feel embarrassed, it awful even lying there with your legs in the air with your bits in the spot light haha.

"I think I had about 4 midwives inspect for my first stitching.

"It's just something I've never asked anyone before if they've bothered or not to even think about it.

"Although we don't care at the time I just think how I'd feel afterwards if I had hairy legs or armpits let alone down there."

Sophie, a mother due to give birth in four days, said: "I use veet, the sensitive one it's much easier and it's so quick.

"And it's just a quick tidy up don't get rid of everything like shaving but close as that. I keep saying to my OH I need to sort mine out before I go into labour. I'm due in 4 days."

Just to confirm what had already been suspected, a student midwife joined in, saying: "I've seen it all, and honestly, it doesn't matter.

"When I was in labour I went for a neat trim, as I hate the regrowth itching when you wax/shave/use hair remover.

"It's easier to suture if it's short, but again, it doesn't really matter.

"I find it looks a bit strange when it's all removed though."

Others went into detail about what happens if you shave a few days before labour and end up needing a c-section: "all the little infected hair follicles are then cut through taking skin infection deep into skin and fat layers right to your womb on the scalpel."

Expectant mothers felt relieved to stumble upon the question and had gone onto Netmums to ask it themselves: "Omg I just came here to post this exact same question!

"I'm six months and just about managed to hair removal/shave donwstairs and was wondering what happens now and what the etiquette is lol."

Sarah H said she felt cleaner afterwards with a full wax.

She went into a lot of detail and said: "Remember there's a lot of fluid sloshing about!

"I'm not usually bothered too much by waxing but this last time I nearly hit the ceiling!

"I kept having to get the lady to stop while I had a rest! Still pleased I did it though.

"For me even in the midst of it all I'm still aware of what's on show."

After this, women began admitting that their husband and other halves helped out.

Katy H said: "My husband trimmed me! The only thing I did do was with a bikini trimmer (like a tiny electric razor) shave my bikini line."

Others disagreed, saying they had used a mirror and that "your [sic] one brave lady if you let hubby do it lol".

Another agreed and felt strongly about the matter, saying: "The idea of my OH (other half) trimming my bush makes me want to curl up and die!"

Harriet H said that midwives and student midwives had commented on threads like this before.

She explained: "Basically what they said is its all well and good 'leaving it as nature intended' but it makes a NIGHTMARE if stitches are needed and they prefer so so so much if things are kept tidied."

Other asked for specific advice, asking: "What parts exactly do people shave then?

"Because the bits of mine that were stitched I wouldn't go near with a razor anyway - not in a million years, especially not when I was pregnant and couldn't see..."

Katie commented again saying: "It's so interesting see so many different views on the subject and how in reality the majority don't actually care, good on u.

"Wish I was like that."