Hair removal before elective c-section? (UK)

Hey, I can’t speak for specifically in London but you are given a letter which explains no shaving/hair removal for the 5 days leading up to your c section date - purely to reduce your risk of infection and open cuts etc. I have known some friends who didn’t do any prep before their c section and if needed was trimmed/shaved minutes before their c section happened. So I think it’s personal choice but just be aware about the timeline so you don’t open yourself up to infections x

I was advised not to shave within 7 days of surgery due to cutting and risk of infection.

I was told this the day before my section during pre op. I was planning on shaving that night. Thankfully it hadn’t been that long since I had done it. I was told midwife would shave/trim near the top. They did not and my dressing was put on top of pubic hair, removing it was fun 🫠

If they need to trim anything they will do. They asked me while I was on the table if I was happy for them to and I said yes. I didn’t do anything prior.

I had mine at St Thomas and I used hair removal cream a few days before. I wasn’t told no shaving etc and tbh it was a good idea as I didn’t have issues with regrowing and itching for weeks. Also, my midwife who visited on day 5 to remove the bandage said she’s seen some wounds where they didn’t even bother to shave the area and nasty issues as a result.

I had a wax beforehand. I didn't want them to shave me anyway as I don't shave anywhere down there - I get razor burn rash. I didn't see anywhere that said I couldn't do that and I only had it 3 or 4 days before. Had my legs and underarms done too because I thought it would feel better/ save me hassle afterwards and I'm glad I did! :)

This makes me want to keep my waxing appointment then… I booked it for 9th Jan and I’m due on Feb 2nd, won’t be given a date for the surgery until very last minute, probs one week before… They just said it will be anytime in week 39 or 40! Haven’t been given a date for a pre-op appointment yet either. Have a growth scan on Jan 11th (last one) + a midwife appt and will investigate further then but they are pretty useless with info re: electives. Btw the only argument I have heard against waxing/shaving beforehand is that if you’re hairless the surgeon might cut you not as low as it should, and the scar might not end up concealed by pubic hair once it’s all healed etc…

God! That must have hurt like hell (on top of all the other pain from the incision itself)! I hate it that there’s just so much conflicting advice out there and not clear guidance… I get the whole personal preference thing, but at the same time it would be nice to minimise risks and be prepared etc! Xx

So I was hairless and my scar is OBSCENELY low. You could look at me in a g string and not see that bad boy. Don’t believe that rumour x

Thank you for sharing! Totally get the whole infection thing - shaving & chemical hair creams are out of the question for me for this very reason. I am just in two minds as to whether I should keep a bikini wax appointment I provisionally booked for the 9th Jan (due on Feb 2nd but the surgery will be anytime in week 39 or 40 - have not been given a definite date yet sadly). Xx

I had a wax the 5 days before and I have to say I had no issues with recovery or the scar itself. It healed so lovely and quickly :)

Excellent, good to know - thank you so much for the reassurance. Definitely keeping that appointment then! 😬

I just removed it in stages in the shower.
My incision is above my public air but the dressing is big so the bottom of to was stuck.
I’ve had no issues with my scar or ingrown hair and it’s healed beautifully

They tell you to leave it. To not shave it or wax it. You can trim it. But that is all. I left mine and they trimmed it a little. But your not suppose to wax or shave

I don't think we are supposed to. That's to avoid any risks of infection.

I didn’t shave at all prior to labour, I was planning for a vaginal delivery and then ended up having an emergency c section and they shaved what they needed to.

I had shaved @37+6 and went into spontaneous labour @38+3. Ended up having an emergency c section & and no issues with my wound. Only thing was where they cut above your pubic bone - I had obviously shaved not planning to go into labour that early & now I have issues with scar irration & a couple of ingrown hairs from where I’ve been stitched up. So if you’re gonna go full nakey, just don’t shave that bit above your pubic bone let them do it if they think it needs doing (baring in mind it’s only like a little bit of hair there not a lot but still!)

Good tip! I don’t shave or use creams but only wax or epilate! I can’t see what I’m doing down there atm because of the bump 😂 so won’t use the SilkEpil but have a bikini wax appt booked when I’ll be 37w and the surgery should happen in w39 or w40… The beautician I go to normally just cleans up the insides of the leg/groin and a little bit above the pubic bone as well. Having always waxed, my hair doesn’t grow back super fast so hoping that my timing with this booking works either for early labour or a delivery around due date! 🤞🏻😅

Shaving is an absolute ball ache 🤦🏻‍♀️🤣 I’m too scared to get a wax down there, I’m 30 weeks with baby number 2. I got my partner to help me when I shaved at 37 weeks and we were in absolute fits of laughter 🤣 he was like “I’m scared I don’t know where I’m going, what if I slice your lip in half” 💀🤣

Hahahah I can imagine you both in hysterics trying to get the job done 🤣 I am tempted to ask for hubby’s help too but only with the trimmer, as he’s got less chances of creating a murder scene down there 😂😂😂

He was going at it like he was de- feathering a bird 😭🤣 he called it “intricate work” 🤣🤣

I am brazilian, so full Brazilian wax for me always, pregnant or not lol. I waxed 3 days before my induction, who turned into a c section both times. That wasn't bc of the c-section though, just a personal preference.