When you’re pregnant, everything changes – your body, your emotions, your lifestyle. One of those changes for many women is what to do with pubic hair. During pregnancy, you may find that your pubic hair grows faster and becomes coarser. Some women choose to continue removing or trimming their pubic hair during pregnancy, while others let it grow. There is no right or wrong choice – it’s a personal preference. Here’s an overview of the common options and things to consider when deciding what to do with pubic hair during pregnancy.
Keep Trimming or Shaving
Many women choose to continue removing or trimming their pubic hair during pregnancy. If this is your regular grooming routine pre-pregnancy, you may want to stick with it. Here are some tips for safe hair removal while pregnant:
- Use a new, sharp razor each time to reduce irritation. Dull blades drag across the skin.
- Shave in the direction of hair growth, not against it.
- Use a gentle, moisturizing shaving cream or gel.
- Rinse the skin thoroughly after shaving to prevent ingrown hairs.
- Apply a soothing, fragrance-free moisturizer after shaving.
- Only trim or shave the bikini line, not the entire genital area. This helps reduce irritation.
- Avoid removing hair from the vulva entirely. Pubic hair helps protect sensitive skin.
If shaving causes significant irritation, try switching to trimming with small scissors or an electric trimmer. Take care not to nick the skin. Some women find it easiest to trim or shave pubic hair while in the shower when skin is warm, soft and relaxed.
Let It Grow
Some women choose to forego hair removal and let their pubic hair grow naturally during pregnancy. Reasons include:
- Skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy, causing irritation from hair removal.
- Can’t see the area well over a growing baby bump, making hair removal tricky.
- Tiredness and fatigue may make hair removal seem like too much effort.
- Growing a bush can help you embrace your changing pregnant body.
- Letting hair grow may help reduce risk of ingrown hairs or razor burn.
If you decide to stop removing pubic hair, be prepared for some changes. Hair may grow longer and fuller, especially later in pregnancy when hormone changes affect hair growth. Some women feel sexier “au naturel” during pregnancy, while others feel the opposite. Do what makes you feel most confident.
Try Temporary Hair Removal
If you want a break from daily hair removal, temporary options like depilatory creams, sugaring or waxing can remove hair for several weeks. Here are some tips if trying these methods during pregnancy:
- Test depilatory creams on a small area first to check for skin reaction before wider use.
- Wait at least 24 hours between hair removal sessions to allow skin to recover.
- Avoid applying creams or wax to irritated, broken or freshly shaved skin.
- Wax when hair is at least 1/4 inch long for easiest removal.
- Use products designed for sensitive skin.
- Stop waxing/sugaring at least 2 months before your due date as your skin becomes extra sensitive.
Salon Brazilian waxes are not recommended during pregnancy due to higher risk of irritation and infection. If you do see an esthetician, make sure they are specially trained in prenatal waxing.
Talk to Your Doctor
Check with your healthcare provider before using any hair removal methods, especially if you have sensitive skin or complications like gestational diabetes. Some doctors recommend avoiding shaving the bikini line, especially in the third trimester, to reduce risk of infection near the vulva before delivery. Always follow your provider’s advice.
Consider Hair Removal Safety
When removing pubic hair during pregnancy, keep these general safety tips in mind:
- Avoid laser hair removal and electrolysis which can irritate skin.
- Don’t use hair removal creams on nipple or vaginal areas.
- Never use the same razor in both genital and leg/underarm areas.
- Disinfect sink and tub after shaving to avoid bacteria transfer.
- Pat dry instead of rubbing with a towel to minimize irritation.
- Avoid strongly fragranced products which can cause skin reactions.
- Stop waxing and sugaring at least 2 months before your due date.
Safety Tips for Pubic Hair Removal During Pregnancy
| Method | Safety Tips |
|---|---|
| Shaving | Use a new, sharp razor each time. Shave in direction of hair growth. Use gentle shaving cream. Rinse thoroughly after. Apply fragrance-free moisturizer. |
| Trimming | Use small scissors or electric trimmer. Work slowly and carefully to avoid nicks. Trim when hair is dry. |
| Depilatory Creams | Do a patch test first. Follow package directions. Avoid using if skin is broken or irritated. Wait 24 hours between applications. |
| Waxing/Sugaring | Choose products for sensitive skin. Allow hair to grow out at least 1/4 inch first. Avoid if skin is irritated or freshly shaved. Stop at least 2 months before due date. |
Consider Future Accessibility
One other thing to keep in mind when deciding what to do with pubic hair during pregnancy – consider future accessibility and healing after delivery. Some women prefer to trim or partially remove pubic hair in late pregnancy to allow doctors a clear view during delivery. Others choose a “natural” look. Do what makes you comfortable both during pregnancy and for your planned delivery.
After giving birth, especially if you have tearing, stitches or an episiotomy, you may not want to shave or wax the area until it is fully healed. This can take several weeks postpartum. Keep this in mind when making grooming choices leading up to your due date.
Partner Preference
Some women take their partner’s preference into account when deciding how to groom pubic hair during pregnancy. But what you do with your pubic hair is 100% your choice. Don’t feel pressure to shave, wax or stop removing hair based on what your partner wants. Do what makes you feel sexy and confident as your body goes through these tremendous changes while growing your baby!
Cultural and Religious Factors
Culture and religion can also influence a pregnant woman’s pubic hair grooming practices. Some cultural traditions relate hair removal during pregnancy to cleansing, purity and preparation for the birthing process. Other cultures emphasize maintaining hair growth as a celebration of the life-giving feminine power of the body. Do what aligns with your own cultural values and faith practices.
Hygiene Help
During pregnancy, changes in vaginal discharge and urinary incontinence can make hygiene more challenging when pubic hair is present. Trimming longer hairs may help keep the genital area cleaner if this is a concern for you. Here are some other tips that can help:
- Change underwear and pantyhose daily.
- Avoid thongs and aim for breathable cotton underwear.
- Rinse the vulva with water during your daily shower or bath.
- Avoid strong soaps which can alter vaginal pH. Use gentle, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Pat dry instead of rubbing with towel.
- Use unscented panty liners to help absorb extra moisture.
- Wear cotton underwear at night if leakage is an issue.
Talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual vaginal odor or discharge during pregnancy, as it could signal an infection.
Managing Discomfort
Some women experience irritation, itching or ingrown hairs related to pubic hair removal during pregnancy. Here are some tips for minimizing discomfort:
- Moisturize daily with a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or oil.
- Use cool compresses to calm irritation and itching.
- Take an oatmeal bath for soothing relief.
- Avoid scratching, which can worsen irritation.
- Apply aloe vera gel to relieve razor burn.
- Use a warm compress on ingrown hairs to encourage them to surface.
- Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid tight elastic bands on clothing.
If you develop a rash, bumps, cysts or experience severe discomfort, see your healthcare provider. They can provide treatment suggestions tailored to pregnancy, such as topical steroids or antibiotics if needed.
What About After Pregnancy?
Postpartum, your focus will be on healing, bonding with baby and adjusting to life as a new mom, not pubic hair removal! During the initial weeks after delivery, doctors recommend avoiding shaving or hair removal to let the vulva and perineum fully heal without irritation. Later on, approach hair removal based on what feels comfortable for your post-pregnancy body.
Many women notice changes in texture, growth patterns or shape of pubic hair after having a baby, due to shifting hormones. It may take time for hair regrowth to normalize. Be gentle, take it slow, and do what makes you feel most like yourself again.
Conclusion
Deciding how to manage pubic hair during pregnancy is a personal choice based on your grooming preferences, trimester, doctor’s advice and cultural factors. Many women continue their regular hair removal routines with some adjustments for sensitive skin. Others take a break from grooming to let hair grow naturally. There is no right or wrong option. Allow yourself flexibility as your needs change during this transformative time. Most importantly, do what makes you feel confident and sexy with your beautiful, ever-changing pregnant body!
