I know I’m speaking on behalf of women everywhere when I say this, but we like to look good from our heads to our toes whenever possible. Anything people can see, we want it to look nice, and when we’re giving birth, people get to see a lot of us.
For that reason, we sometimes like to shape things up down there before time to deliver, but is doing so safe for our babies?
It’s safe to get a Brazilian wax while you’re pregnant, but you should do it at home or in a clean, reputable salon. The ingredients in the wax are safe, and the procedure is non-invasive. As long as everything is sanitary and you don’t wait too far along into your pregnancy, you should be fine.
This article will give you a bit more detail about getting waxed while pregnant, how to prepare for the process, and some things to consider before you get it done. Keep reading to find out more about this relatively common procedure.
Is It Safe to Get a Brazilian Wax When Pregnant?
Brazilian waxes are generally considered safe for pregnant women as long as they aren’t allergic to any of the ingredients in the wax and have the procedure done in a clean, sterile environment. Women should minimize their risk of allergic reactions and infections.
First, let’s break down the ingredients in most wax products. Specific ingredients will vary by brand, of course, but most waxes have the same essential components:
- Beeswax and/or rosin
- Natural oils (coconut, almond, citric acids, and lavender are common)
- Pine resin
- Chemical additives (for color, aroma, pH regulation, etc.)
- Vitamins (to enrich the skincare routine)
- Water (source: Beauty Imagine USA)
All of these ingredients are perfectly safe for pregnant women in small, topical doses (source: RxList).
That means you shouldn’t have any problems with the wax itself unless you’re allergic to any of those ingredients. Allergic reactions can be extremely dangerous for pregnant women and their developing babies.
Therefore, it’s important to take steps to minimize your risk of an allergic reaction. Before you get a Brazilian wax in a salon, take the following steps:
- Avoid getting the wax at all if you’ve never previously had one. If you’ve never had a wax, you can’t be sure you won’t have an allergic reaction to it. Right in the middle of your pregnancy is not the time to find out. Your first Brazilian wax should never happen while you’re pregnant.
- Stop by the salon and ask to see an ingredient list for the specific wax they use. If you have any concerns about one of the ingredients on the list, put in a quick call to your doctor or avoid the wax. If the salon doesn’t have one, don’t get the wax done there.
- While you’re there, don’t be afraid to ask questions about sanitation and cleanliness. Tell the technician you’re pregnant and ask whether they reuse wax and/or strips between patients. If they do, avoid the salon. You can find another one or do the wax yourself at home.
- If possible, visit the salon at least three days early, and ask for a patch test. A patch test allows the technician to place a small amount of wax on you in a discreet place to test your reaction to it. Allergic reactions can take a few days to show up, which is why you’ll want to go at least three days early if possible.
As a pregnant woman, it may be more comfortable for you to do the wax at home anyway. That way, there are no uncomfortable chairs or any concerns about ill-sanitized salons.
GiGi Brazilian Bikini Wax, available from Amazon.com, is an excellent at-home option because it’s affordable, easy to use, and doesn’t even require waxing strips.
The most significant risk from any waxing, either at home or in the salon, is the risk of infection. Ensuring you don’t use wax or strips used on others is a step in the right direction when you want to avoid this issue.
However, there are other important things to keep in mind. For example, you shouldn’t have a Brazilian wax if you have any of the following in your pubic region:
- Open cuts
- Sores
- Rashes
- Pimples
- Warts
- Blisters
Waxing on top of open wounds is more likely to lead to infections (source: Bare Necessities Waxing).
Should I Get a Brazilian In Late Pregnancy (38 weeks+?)
You shouldn’t get a Brazilian wax in late pregnancy. Most doctors (and salons that offer them) recommend not getting one in the last month of your pregnancy because it may make it harder for you while giving birth. Stretching or tearing are likely to be more painful on waxed skin.
Your second trimester is the best time for getting a Brazilian wax. You may still get one early into the third trimester, but you shouldn’t get one after around week 35 to be safe.
How to Prepare for a Brazilian Wax When Pregnant
The first step to being prepared for a Brazilian wax is knowing what you’re getting into with the procedure. If you’ve had one before, you likely already know the minor inconveniences that sometimes happen:
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Ingrown hairs
- Burning
- Pain
However, it’s important to remember that pregnancy changes your body; it can make your skin more sensitive and your nerves more primed for feeling extra pain (source: Physio.co.uk).
As a result, you may suffer more pain and burning than usual, and your skin may react badly to the waxing even if it never has before when getting waxed. The excess in pregnancy hormones also makes the vagina/pubic region more sensitive, so you’ll likely hurt worse than you would if you were getting the wax while not pregnant.
Still, there are some things you can do to help prepare yourself for a Brazilian wax while pregnant.
Start by doing the things I mentioned above – going to the salon, checking out their hygiene practices, and asking for an ingredients list. You should also exfoliate before your waxing session; doing so will help reduce the likelihood of ingrown hairs after the session.
Furthermore, it would help to use pregnancy-safe moisturizing lotion before you get waxed and regularly following your waxing. And don’t be shy about examining yourself in front of a mirror. If you notice any cuts, rashes, or other issues mentioned above, don’t get waxed!
Final Thoughts
As long as you aren’t allergic to any ingredients in the wax and are performing the wax in a safe, sanitary environment, there’s nothing wrong with getting a Brazilian wax while you’re pregnant. Just be sure you don’t do it too close to your due date, as that can lead to problems while giving birth.
