Mommies-to-be, have you ever wondered if it was safe for you to get a Brazilian wax while pregnant? Before this little miracle happened, waxing down there was probably something you did occasionally to groom yourself (and feel sexy!).
Just because you’re pregnant, it doesn’t mean that you should stop completely, unless your gynecologist recommends you to do so.
What can you read in this article?
- Waxing during pregnancy
- Is waxing safe for pregnant women?
- Why are pregnant women more sensitive to waxing?
Waxing during pregnancy: Is it safe?
Photo by Dana Tentis
During pregnancy, hormones have an impact on your hair and nails. Your active growth cycle is longer. Your hair may thicken over time. You could notice that your brush or shower has fewer loose hairs.
While having a larger head of hair may sound nice, it’s not the only place where hair can thicken. Many women have unwanted hair growth in areas such as their armpits, legs, bikini line, and pubic area.
Hair is also more likely to appear in previously undetectable locations such as your chin, upper lip, lower back, stomach-to-genital-area line, and around your nipples.
Don’t panic; this new hair growth pattern will not last forever. About six months after giving birth, your hair and nails will return to normal.
In the meanwhile, if the extra hair is irritating you, waxing is one option for removing it.
Yes, it is generally safe to have waxing during pregnancy. We do encourage pregnant women to consult their physician prior to their treatment.
Waxing is generally seen to be safe during pregnancy. There are several precautions to follow whether you’re waxing at home or at a spa or salon.
Schedule an appointment with a licensed and experienced esthetician. Inquire about their work experience and educational background.
Check to see whether the facility is clean and if the wax or strips haven’t been reused between clients. If you do, you risk becoming contaminated with bacteria. Reusing applicators or “doing two dips” in the wax increases the risk of infection.
READ MORE:
Pregnancy-safe makeup brands and products in the Philippines you can use
Skin care for pregnant in the Philippines: best pregnancy-safe facial toners for your routine
Best Pregnancy Safe Feminine Wash: Top 5 recommendations in the Philippines you can use while pregnant
Waxing during pregnancy 1st trimester
Waxing is not one of the activities that pregnant women should avoid during the first trimester. There is no risk to the baby or the mother because wax is not absorbed into the body.
Even the scent that pregnant women are taught to fear (think of nail salons and the acetone in the air) is useless when it comes to waxing. Many women may not realize they are pregnant until after the sixth week and continue about their everyday lives as usual.
Any esthetician will tell you that waxing becomes more difficult as the mother gets farther along due to the noticeable swelling belly.
As an esthetician, I can assure you that many of us have dealt with women in similar situations before, from waxing to massage and everything in between.
To put it another way, do not try this at home. Estheticians that have been trained to work with pregnant women can help with positioning, pain relief, and generally making the experience more enjoyable (as it should be.)
The truth is that waxing during pregnancy 2nd trimester or waxing during pregnancy 3rd trimester is completely safe. Everything else is totally harmless, aside from the skin being slightly more sensitive.
Is waxing safe for pregnant?
Photo by lucas mendes from Pexels
Waxing is not recommended for the following skin disorders or blemishes:
- exposed cuts
- varicose veins
- rashes
- scar tissue
- moles
- pimples
- warts
- where acne treatments are utilized
Is sugar waxing safe for pregnant? As a pregnant woman, your body creates extra blood and fluids to assist your growing baby. As a result, your skin may become more sensitive, making waxing more painful.
If you’ve never waxed before, it’s not a good idea to begin during pregnancy. With your doctor’s permission, take two Tylenol an hour before the therapy to lessen discomfort.
Request a test on a small patch of hair from the skincare specialist. This will give you a better idea of how the operation will feel and how your skin will respond. If it’s too painful, you can stop before a large piece of your skin is harmed.
How is waxing during pregnancy done?
Image from iStock
To ensure maximum comfort for the preggy moms, there is a special pillow that’s placed under them to provide extra support for their backs. For the waxing of the crack area or the back of the legs, mommies-to-be are positioned on their side to ensure maximum comfort and support.
For those who find it uncomfortable to lay flat, you can ask the attendant to adjust the waxing bed to a 90 degree angle (similar to a sitting position) and proceed with waxing.
Waxing while pregnant: Concerns that a preggy mom would have when considering it
It is highly recommended for moms-to-be to consult their gynecologists before having the wax treatment done, but it is generally safe to have your treatment done after your 1st trimester (once the gyne gives you the green light).
Customers should inform the attendant prior to the treatment if they have any of the following conditions:
- Consumption or application of Accutane, Roaccutane, RetinA, VitaminB or AHA within the past 6 months
- Have undergone radiation treatments (e.g. UV sun tanning), electrolysis, or excessive sunbathing within the past one month
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Mom has given birth by natural delivery in the past 3 months or had a Caesarean delivery in the last 6 months
- Undergone an operation in the last 6 months
- Have undergone a cosmetic surgery procedure in the past month on the treatment area
- Sunburned, wind-burned, dry, chapped, irritated or broken skin or any open wounds on the treatment area
- Does have sores, warts, ulcers, moles, birthmarks, or any tattoos on the treatment area
Waxing during pregnancy and Melasma
Melasma, often known as a pregnancy mask, is a skin condition in which brown or greyish patches of skin appear on the face of a pregnant woman. Melasma sufferers are usually advised to avoid waxing their affected regions. Waxing can irritate the skin and exacerbate melasma.
Alternatives to waxing during pregnancy
If your skin becomes too sensitive for waxing during pregnancy, there are other hair removal options.
Depending on where the unwanted hair is located, tweezers may be sufficient. This is ideal for small areas like the brows and nipples. Threading can also be used to remove the hairs.
Dr. Tsippora Shainhouse, a dermatologist based in Los Angeles, California, argues that shaving is the safest way to get rid of the hair while pregnant. However, as your pregnancy progresses, shaving specific areas may become more difficult. In this case, your partner might be able to help you.
Bleaching and chemical depilatories can be dangerous to a pregnant woman. Consult your doctor before attempting them.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Singapore
Updates by Margaux Dolores
