Many pregnant women wonder if they need to shave their pubic hair before having a caesarean section (c-section). This is a common question that often causes some anxiety. The short answer is no, shaving is usually not required prior to a c-section. However, there are a few things to consider when making this decision.
Why Do Some Women Shave Before C-Section?
There are a couple reasons why shaving may have been common practice in the past:
- Tradition – Shaving the pubic hair has been a common practice for many types of surgeries. It was thought to reduce the risk of infection.
- Easier access – Shaving may allow the surgeon to more easily access the surgical site.
However, most modern medical organizations no longer recommend shaving prior to a c-section. Research has shown that shaving does not decrease infection risk. In fact, there are some risks associated with shaving before surgery.
Risks of Shaving Before C-Section
Shaving the pubic hair before a c-section carries a few potential risks:
- Ingrown hairs – Shaving can cause painful ingrown hairs to develop.
- Cuts and nicks – Razors can create small cuts or abrasions in the skin which could become infected.
- Folliculitis – This is an infection and inflammation of the hair follicles.
These types of irritations and infections near the incision site can impair healing and potentially increase the chance of surgical site infections.
Current Recommendations
Most major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), state that shaving is not necessary before a c-section.
Some key recommendations:
- Do not shave – Shaving the pubic hair is not required and provides no medical benefit.
- Trimming is okay – Women may trim long pubic hairs, but should avoid close shaving.
- Cleansing is important – Bathe normally before surgery and use regular soap and water to clean the pubic area.
These guidelines are based on evidence that shows routine shaving before c-sections does not prevent infections or provide any other advantages.
Making a Personal Decision
While shaving before a c-section is not medically advised, some women may still wish to remove some pubic hair for personal preferences. Here are some points to consider:
- Consult your doctor – Discuss your preferences with your obstetrician.
- Trim don’t shave – Use scissors or clippers to trim longer hairs. Avoid razors.
- Do a test run – If you want to shave, try it a few days before surgery to see if irritation develops.
- Use care – Be very gentle and stop if you see any skin irritation, rashes or ingrown hairs.
Keep in mind that the medical team is there to focus on your health and the delivery of your baby, not your pubic hair. But your comfort and preferences should be respected.
What Happens at the Hospital?
Pubic shaving is not routine practice when preparing for a c-section at most hospitals today. Here’s what you can generally expect:
- No prep – The nurses and medical team will not request that you shave when you arrive at the hospital.
- Cleaning, not shaving – The pubic area around the incision site will be washed and cleaned with soap and water or another antiseptic solution.
- Draping – Sterile drapes are placed over your abdomen during surgery to maintain a sterile field around the incision site.
Doctors have a clear view to perform the surgery safely even with pubic hair present. Proper cleansing and sterile drapes are effective measures to help prevent infection.
C-Section Incision Types
There are a few different incision techniques that may be used during a c-section which impact the location on your lower abdomen:
Pfannenstiel Incision
This transverse (side to side) incision is the most commonly used. It is made very low, just above the pubic bone. Only a small portion of pubic hair is visible above the incision site.
Vertical Incision
A vertical incision from the navel down to the pubic bone may be necessary in certain cases. More of the pubic hair area is visible above this type of incision.
Classic Incision
A vertical incision from just below the navel down close to the pubic bone. This exposes the least amount of pubic hair.
The type of incision often depends on the specifics of your pregnancy and delivery. But in most cases, very little pubic hair is visible near the actual surgical site.
C-Section Preparation Checklist
Here is a quick checklist of how to prepare the pubic hair and pelvic area prior to a planned c-section:
- Do NOT shave or use a razor. This may increase infection risk.
- Trimming longer hairs with scissors or clippers is okay if desired.
- Bathe or shower as normal before going to the hospital.
- Use your regular soap and water to cleanse the pubic area.
- No otherprep is needed – the medical team will properly clean the surgical site.
The priority is keeping the pelvic region clean to reduce the chance of infection. Shaving is not considered beneficial or necessary.
Recovery After a C-Section
After your c-section, proper incision care is vital for quick healing. Follow these tips:
- Keep the area clean and dry.
- Change bandages as directed.
- Watch for signs of infection – redness, swelling, oozing.
- Do not shave around the incision until completely healed.
- Avoid irritating the healing incision.
Pubic hair and irritated skin near the incision can hamper healing during the postpartum period. Proper hygiene and gentle hair removal methods should be used until the incision is fully closed.
When to Call the Doctor
Call your obstetrician promptly if you notice any of the following around your c-section incision:
- Increased pain, soreness, swelling or redness
- Oozing or foul-smelling discharge
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Bleeding that soaks through the bandage
- The incision opens up
These could signal a surgical site infection or wound healing problem that requires medical treatment. Don’t hesitate to contact the doctor with any concerns.
Conclusion
Preparing for a c-section involves learning what to expect before, during and after surgery. Shaving the pubic hair was once common practice, but is no longer recommended. There is no evidence that shaving reduces infection risk. Simply bathe normally, clean the area with soap and water, and trim any long hairs if desired. Proper hygiene and sterile surgical techniques will keep the incision site safe. Focus on taking good care during your recovery to support healing.