A roller coaster of different emotions happens once a woman knows that she is pregnant. A lot of changes and transformations occur caused by many factors, one of which is fluctuating hormones. Cellulite and weight gain may appear, feet swelling, joint pains, mood swings, and fatigue may happen. Good thing is that the woman’s body can adapt to these changes to accommodate the growing baby in the womb.
One of the noticeable changes that may occur is a change in hair growth. During pregnancy, hair grows thicker and stronger with lesser hair fall. Sounds good, right? Yes. But only if it happens in your crowning glory or the hair in your head. Unfortunately, during pregnancy unwanted hair grows. Hair growth in unwanted areas like the chin, upper lip, lower back, and the stomach during pregnancy. And although hair growth is normal in the legs, armpits and bikini line, it is noticeably excessive than normal. It even grows faster than before. You may bear with it for months but the good news is that the condition will be back to normal months after you gave birth.
But if one feels uncomfortable and you may want to do some sort of landscaping ‘down there,’ one of the known ways to remove unwanted hair in the area is through a process called bikini waxing.
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But first, let us know, What is bikini waxing? Bikini waxing is removing pubic hair using special wax that is either hot or cold. Once the wax stick to the hair in the area, it will be pulled out quickly from the skin, usually with a clean cloth.
Store-bought bikini waxing kits are readily available, making it possible to do the process in the comfort of their homes. A professional can also perform the method at a salon or spa. It is recommended that the hair growth is about half an inch so the wax will properly stick into it.
Two types of wax can be used in this method. Hard wax which is spread in a thicker layer will then be allowed to dry until it hardens. It will then be torn off in the opposite direction as the hair grows. Soft wax, on the other hand, is spread on a thin layer. A clean piece of cloth will be placed to cover the wax, then torn off quickly in the opposite direction the hair grows. Usually, bikini waxing uses hard wax since it doesn’t stick to the skin as much as the soft wax.
Salon uses two types of wax – the strip wax and hot wax. Strip wax is used for shaping. This the one that is often used in the bikini area. The hot wax is used in tougher and thicker hairy areas of the body.
What should not be waxed?
Shun away to bikini waxing if the skin has the following conditions. Continuing the process can be very painful and dangerous, and it can attract infections in the affected area.
- Open cuts and broken skin
- Sunburn
- Rashes
- Warts and Moles
- Scar tissue
- Varicose veins
Warnings and precautions
Generally, bikini waxing on pregnant women is considered safe. You can consult your doctor should you have any conditions that you may think will be harmful. Also, bikini waxing is not advisable to expecting moms a month before the due date.
Always remember that women’s skin is more sensitive during pregnancy especially in the bikini area, thus bikini waxing in the area may irritate the region. Since there is extra blood flow in the bikini area of pregnant mothers, waxing and hair regrowth after the process in the area will be painful than usual. Fluid retention which is common among pregnant women may cause the skin to swell and more sensitive. Waxing the bikini area can cause infection and ingrown hairs. This will make the labor process more uncomfortable.
Some study says that removing the pubic hair by waxing can be considered unhygienic. It can leave hair follicles open attracting infections causing bacterial folliculitis. This will then cause sore, itchy rashes.
Always do a small patch skin test first before waxing, even if you will do it on your own or you opt to do it in a salon. It is to test the skin’s sensitivity to the product that will be used. Bikini waxing is not recommended during expecting mothers’ first trimester. For those who are first-timers in using bikini wax, better delay the process until you have given birth.
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Be observant with varicose veins. During pregnancy, women are prone to vulvar varicose veins or swollen veins in the bikini area. The skin over the veins in the area is thin and itchy.
Melasma is also common among pregnant women. This condition causes brownish patches on the skin. Pregnant moms with this condition are advised to avoid waxing the areas with melasma since it will get irritated and worsen the case. When doing bikini waxing at home using the store-bought kit, make sure that the wax is not too hot and that you can see the reach of the target areas. This will prevent burns that will be painful and may cause infection.
Moisturize before and after waxing especially if you have sensitive skin. Choose a product that is safe for you, free of harmful chemicals. Aloe vera gel also gives a soothing relief as it relieves pain after the process. Bikini waxing is a better option than using depilatory creams in removing hairs. These creams need to be left out in the skin for a while when using. When in doubt, don’t. Do not put you and your baby’s health at risk.
Until today, there is no scientific proof that bikini waxes induce labor as others believe.
It is on pregnant women’s discretion whether to wax or not. Understandably, women want some self-care and cleaning during pregnancy. Others feel conscious and may need to tidy ‘down there.’ Prepare for the day of your delivery. The midwife will not focus on how tidy and shaved your lady part is. She will be very busy giving you and your baby a safe delivery.
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- Is Walking Safe During Pregnancy?
- Pregnancy Diet: How Safe is it to Eat Apricot During Pregnancy?
- Using Aloe Vera During Pregnancy – How Safe and Reliable Is It?
