A–Z Glossary

Douching

Douching is washing inside the vagina with water or products, an unnecessary practice that may irritate tissue and disrupt the normal environment.

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Personal hygiene during pregnancy

Personal hygiene during pregnancy

Why hygiene becomes more important in pregnancy Pregnancy does not mean you need a special antiseptic routine, but it does mean that some ordinary habits become more consequential. Mucosal tissues may be more sensitive, the vaginal microbiome can shift, and hormonal changes may increase the likelihood of gingival swelling, vaginal discharge, or skin irritation. At […]

Hygiene and personal care before labor

Hygiene and personal care before labor

A simple hygiene routine is usually enough Before labor, use a familiar shower or bath routine that leaves you comfortable without irritating the skin. Wash the external genital area gently with warm water and a mild, unscented cleanser if you normally use one. The vagina is self-cleaning; douching, internal washing, deodorant sprays, antiseptic solutions, and […]

Common myths about grooming before delivery

Common myths about grooming before delivery

Myth 1: You must remove all pubic hair before labor Fact: Complete pubic or perineal hair removal is not routinely required before labor. Pubic hair is a normal anatomical feature, and its presence does not mean that the vulva or perineum is unclean. In a supervised hospital delivery, clinicians use appropriate infection-prevention measures regardless of […]