Sure, everyone says that as soon as you’re in labor, you’ll happily take off your clothes for anyone who’ll stop the pain. But not everyone is as comfortable with nudity and many women worry about how much they’ll have to show during labor and birth.
How Much Will Show?
During labor, you can show as little or as much as you wish – the medical staff have seen it all. However if you prefer to stay clothed as much as possible, you’ll find the staff will help you maintain modesty as needed.
Medical staff will usually cover you legs in a sheet if they need to do an internal exam and you may not be able to see them. This may also happen during the birth.
The majority of labor can be done with at least a hospital gown on but in some cases, the birth may mean that you’re completely naked below the waist so your medical care provider can safely deliver your baby. Your amount of clothing can also depend on what position you’re in – if you birth standing, in a shower or have a water birth, you may need to remove more clothing items.
After the birth, medical staff will also need to check if you have any tearing or other complications from the birth.
How Can You Minimise Nudity in Labor?
- Let the hospital know that you’re not comfortable with students or unneeded personnel being at your birth.
- Let your nurses, midwives and doctors know that you prefer to stay clothed and maintain as much modesty as possible during the birth.
- Read this list of outfit choices for birth.
- Be aware that you can refuse routine internal exams during labor, as they’re often not actually needed unless there is a medical problem.
- If you’re comfortable doing so, ask if you can deliver the baby yourself, or have your partner deliver the baby. Your medical care provider will give directions and be ready to help, but this is a great way for your new family to bond and be a part of the birth.
Susannah is a certified Birth Doula through Childbirth International and the founder of Trimester Talk. With a background in journalism and digital strategy, she combines evidence-based research with real-world knowledge to create accessible content about pregnancy and parenting. She’s a mother of two and stepmother of two more, all of them now teenagers.