Hair Loss During and Post Pregnancy

Hair Loss During and Post Pregnancy

The condition of your hair is going to be affected during the course of your pregnancy – some women say that the condition of their hair improves while they are pregnant and some will say that the condition of their hair has changed for the worse. Generally 40% of pregnant women will report that latter while pregnant.

During pregnancy there is an increase in the level of estrogen hormones. The increased estrogen will keep your hair in a growth phase and stimulates hair growth, which is why so many women have much stronger full bodied hair while pregnant.

Hair Loss During Pregnancy – Is It Normal?

Some women may experience hair loss while pregnant. Not everyone will have the chance to experience the joys of fabulous hair while pregnant, and this too is completely normal – it may not be as common, but it is normal.

If you do feel that your hair loss you are experiencing while you are pregnant is a cause for concern, then there is a good chance that you are lacking some vitamins or other minerals in your diet. If you are experiencing a excessive loss of hair during pregnancy then the good news is that this should return to normal 3-4 months post childbirth.

Hair Loss After Childbirth

In actual fact the most common period of common hair loss is post pregnancy – usually 3 months after childbirth. This is a result in a decrease in hormone levels after your pregnancy – as your hormone levels return to a more normal level.

The reason this is usually such a concern to new moms is because all the hair which would normally have fallen out during a normal hair cycle while you were pregnant is now all coming out at once – often resulting in bald spots.

This is a temporary problem as your hair returns to its normal cycle again, and will usually last 6-12 months.
Hair Care During and After Pregnancy

There are a number of things that you might do to have healthier hair and/or reduce hair loss during pregnancy and after delivery:

Consult with your health care provider to ensure a proper balance of hormones
Avoid pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair
Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids and antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth
Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica
Hair is fragile when it is wet, so be gentle; avoid fine tooth combs
If you need to use blow dryers and other heated hair instruments, try to use the cool setting

Supplement your diet with the following nutrients:

•     Biotin
•     Vitamin C
•     Vitamin E
•     Zinc