Mother sparks online debate by asking how other women groom their privates before giving birth

A NETMUMS thread has received an influx of posts, after a user asked how other mums groomed their ‘intimate area’ before giving birth.

While many might think it an embarrassing question, many mums took to the thread with aplomb – going on to share every detail of their pre-birth beautifying.

User Katie M started the thread, commenting: “So I'm just going to go ahead and just say it.

“What does everyone else do to prepare themselves for the birth?

“Obviously we want to look tidy down there but it's pretty hard with a huge bump in the way to see anything?

“Does anyone go for a wax, do you shave or..? I know it's a funny question but there's so much effort involved and this time round was thinking about going for a wax though I've never done it before!”

Almost immediately, other mums began sharing their own candid stories - and the comments came pouring in.

Lauren W said: “I wouldn't personally, your ahem 'area' is more sensitive when pregnant so maybe try shaving/sensitive hair removal cream using a mirror?”

Others preferred the natural look, commenting: “Leave it as nature intended. Far healthier.”

Another said: “I wouldn't wax for the first time when pregnant... It's more sensitive. I shaved up until I couldn't physically do it anymore then I just left it!

“The midwives couldn't care less and once I was in labour I didn't either!

“Although she did shave me before stitching me up so saved me a job!!”

Original poster Katie then jumped back into the conversation, agreeing with many of her commenters that they were probably right – midwives must see all sorts.

Having already given birth twice before, she admitted that she can't remember what she did before.

She added: “I couldn't bare for them to shave me to stitch me I would feel embarrassed, it awful even lying there with your legs in the air with your bits in the spot light haha.

“I think I had about four midwives inspect for my first stitching.

“It's just something I've never asked anyone before if they've bothered or not to even think about it.

“Although we don't care at the time I just think how I'd feel afterwards if I had hairy legs or armpits let alone down there.”

A student midwife even joined in, saying: “I've seen it all, and honestly, it doesn't matter.

“When I was in labour I went for a neat trim, as I hate the regrowth itching when you wax/shave/use hair remover.

“It's easier to suture if it's short, but again, it doesn't really matter.

“I find it looks a bit strange when it's all removed though.”

Other mums said that they felt ‘cleaner’ afterwards with a full wax.

One mum frankly said: “Remember there's a lot of fluid sloshing about!

“I'm not usually bothered too much by waxing but this last time I nearly hit the ceiling!

“I kept having to get the lady to stop while I had a rest! Still pleased I did it though.

“For me even in the midst of it all I'm still aware of what's on show.”

Some women even got their other halves to shave them.

Katy H said: “My husband trimmed me! The only thing I did do was with a bikini trimmer (like a tiny electric razor) shave my bikini line.”

Others said that this was a bold move, one writing: “You’re one brave lady if you let hubby do it lol”.

Another agreed, saying: “The idea of my OH (other half) trimming my bush makes me want to curl up and die!”

Harriet H commented that midwives had commented on similar threads before.

She explained: “Basically what they said is its all well and good 'leaving it as nature intended' but it makes a NIGHTMARE if stitches are needed and they prefer so so so much if things are kept tidied.”

Katie then commented again saying: “It's so interesting see so many different views on the subject and how in reality the majority don't actually care, good on u.

"Wish I was like that.”