Hair Loss in Pregnancy: Is it Normal?
Women notice a number of changes in their hair when they are pregnant.
Hair loss affects about 40% to 50% of women during pregnancy.
While some notice that their hair has become thicker and shinier, others complain of hair loss.
This change in hair could be a result of various factors.
But like most pregnancy symptoms, it is also temporary.
In this article, we will learn about hair loss in pregnancy and what you can do about it.
Is it normal to lose hair during pregnancy?
It is common for some women to experience hair loss during pregnancy.
This is typically seen as hair shedding and thinning.
Hair loss is particularly seen during the initial phases of pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
This is due to the stress pregnancy puts on the body.
But if you still experience hair loss even after the first trimester, you should consider talking to your doctor about it.
Causes of hair loss during pregnancy
The high levels of Estrogen during pregnancy slow down the shedding phase of the hair growth cycle.
This results in women losing fewer hair strands while pregnant.
But it is not always the case.
In some cases, women experience hair fall during pregnancy.
Some of the reasons that might be causing this hair loss in pregnancy include the following.
Hormonal changes
Pregnancy leads to a lot of hormonal changes in a womanâs body.
These hormonal changes can alter hair growth and shedding pattern.
The first trimester of pregnancy can be hard on the body since the balance of hormones changes a lot to help the baby grow.
This stress may lead to hair thinning and shedding, a condition called Telogen Effluvium.
But this affects a small number of women during pregnancy.
Health issues
One of the most commonly seen health issues for women during pregnancy includes iron deficiency which causes anemia.
Iron deficiency happens due to a lack of enough red blood cells to take oxygen to different body parts.
Apart from headaches, fatigue, etc., this deficiency also causes hair loss.
This condition is not permanent but will continue till your nutrient levels do not return to normal.
Another health issue faced in 2 or 3 out of every 100 pregnancies is Hypothyroidism.
Hair loss is one of the symptoms of this condition, along with exhaustion, muscle cramps, and constipation.
A blood test may be required to diagnose your thyroid levels.
Postpartum hair loss
For many women, hair fall can be observed after giving birth.
It generally peaks at around four months postpartum.
This is extremely normal and, in fact, is not actually hair loss but merely excessive hair shedding.
It is caused by a drop in the levels of Estrogen hormone in the body.
This hair loss is temporary, and you do not necessarily need to do anything to treat it.
Most women regain their normal hair thickness by the end of the year postpartum.
Another reason for hair loss after giving birth could be postpartum Thyroiditis.
Women with Type 1 Diabetes or those with a history of Thyroid are at a higher risk of having it.
Consult your doctor for the best course of action to treat your condition.
Treatment and prevention
Hair loss during pregnancy might not require any special treatment.
It usually resolves itself over time.
Doctors might prescribe Minoxidil to treat hair loss in some instances.
But it is not considered safe to be used during pregnancy or while you are breastfeeding.
In the case of iron deficiency, your doctor might prescribe supplements to compensate for the lack of iron in your body.
This might help to regularize the hair growth cycle.
If detected with a thyroid condition, consult your doctor to work out a treatment plan to bring your hormones to a normal level.
Once your hormones are regulated, so is your regrowth cycle.
Apart from these, some tips might help prevent hair thinning and shedding during pregnancy.
- Do not wear tight hairstyles which pull your hair back. Also, avoid pulling, twisting, or rubbing your hair.
- Wash your hair gently.
- Use a wide-toothed comb to detangle your hair.
- Avoid brushing wet hair.
- Ask your doctor if the medications you are on might contribute to hair loss during pregnancy.
- Avoid any chemical treatments on your hair.
- Eat a balanced and healthy diet. Ensure you are getting enough nutrients. Your doctor might prescribe you prenatal vitamins.
Takeaway
It is common for women to notice changes in their hair during and after pregnancy.
In the first trimester, the stress of pregnancy might cause the hair to fall.
Other reasons could be related to hormonal changes or health issues.
This hair fall continues postpartum, and you can see a lot of hair shedding.
However, this hair fall is temporary and reverses about twelve months after you have given birth.
It is always recommended to see your doctor to plan ways to control and prevent hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does pregnancy affect hair loss?
In most cases, a rise in Estrogen levels during pregnancy causes the hair to become thicker. But in some instances, hair loss can also be seen in pregnant women due to hormonal changes or deficiency of nutrients. Consult a doctor if you experience an abnormal amount of hair loss.
What are the main hair issues of pregnancy?
Sometimes during pregnancy, women experience their hair falling out. This could be due to low levels of Estrogen, hormonal imbalance, or certain underlying health conditions. Hair fall is, however, very common to experience postpartum. But it regrows within twelve months of giving birth.
How can I control my hair loss during pregnancy?
A healthy and balanced diet, filled with essential nutrients, can help control hair fall. Also, using gentle products on your hair is very important. In addition to this, consult your doctor to get some prenatal vitamins for yourself to help your hair fall.
Do pregnancy hormones affect your hair?
Pregnancy hormones can make your hair grow fast and reduce hair fall. But this change might only be temporary. Many women lose their hair postpartum, which is temporary as well. They usually find their hair back to normal twelve months after giving birth.
Can pregnancy hair loss be permanent?
Pregnancy hair loss is mostly temporary, especially postpartum. Your hair usually grows back about twelve months after giving birth. But if you see no improvement in your hair loss even after that, consult your doctor to learn about the treatment options available for hair regrowth.
