How To Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy

What To Know About Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Our bodies undergo all sorts of changes during pregnancy. Theres bump of course, but also bloating and indigestion, fatigue, fuzz brain, and random things like bleeding gums and swollen ankles. But theres one symptom that can be really scary: hair loss during pregnancy.

Fortunately, while it is frightening, thinning hair during pregnancy is usually manageable for mamas-to-be.

And in the majority of cases, it will grow back.

But why does it happen? And what can you do about it? Lets find out.

In this article:

• Does pregnancy affect your hair?
• Hair loss during pregnancy
• Other causes of hair thinning during pregnancy
• How can I stop my hair from falling out during pregnancy?

So In Conclusion Why Won’t My Hair Grow

The reasons “why won’t my hair grow” are plenty, but knowing them is one step closer to getting rid of it.

It is vital to cure the underlying factor so that our hair starts growing back again.

Different hair growth booster treatment options are available that will help a lot to sort out this problem. If still, it remains, it is essential to get yourself evaluated by a registered healthcare practitioner.

What Causes Hair Loss During Pregnancy

On a normal basis, you might lose between 50 and 100 hairs every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology .

More dramatic and noticeable hair loss that happens after a triggering event is known as “telogen effluvium,” which is how pregnancy and postpartum hair loss are categorized. In postpartum, the triggering event is childbirth and the drop in hormones, most notably estrogen.

But in this case, the triggering event for hair loss is pregnancy, with its shifting hormone levels. Pregnancy hair loss occurs less frequently than postpartum hair loss.

, DO, an OB/GYN at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, explains that hair loss typically occurs closer to the third trimester and tends to be an overall thinning, rather than hair loss from one particular area.

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Diet For Postpartum Hair Loss

A proper diet can help decrease postpartum hair loss. Biotin along with vitamins A, C, D, E, and zinc have been shown to be beneficial.

The best Vitamins & Minerals for postpartum hair loss

Biotin is considered part of the B vitamins. It typically is a good source of protein as well. Foods that are rich in biotin include eggs, seeds, and nuts.

Vitamin A plays a crucial role in cell growth. This includes hair cells. Vitamin A also helps the body produce sebum. Sebum is an oily substance that keeps the scalp moisturized. Foods high in Vitamin A include sweet potatoes, pumpkins, carrots, and kale.

Vitamin C contains antioxidants that help protect against stress. It also helps your body produce collagen. Lastly, vitamin C assists your body in absorbing iron. Iron is necessary for hair growth. Foods that are high in vitamin C include strawberries, citrus fruits, and peppers.

Vitamin D works to stimulate hair follicles. This stimulation assists with hair growth. Additionally, alopecia has been linked to low vitamin D levels. Our bodies process vitamin D with the help of rays from the sun. Supplements are your best source of vitamin D.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant like vitamin C. A small study was completed using tocotrienols from vitamin E. This study found positive hair growth in the group taking tocotrienols. Sunflower seeds, almonds, and spinach are all good sources of vitamin E.

Does Postpartum Hair Loss Grow Back

Yes, hair that is lost from postpartum hair loss does grow back. On average, a third of women report that their hair looks thicker, with more body and shine after recovering from postpartum hair loss.

It is not uncommon to experience hair loss during pregnancy or postpartum. If this is something you are experiencing, you should discuss this with your midwife or GP. For more information about hair loss, get in touch with a member of our expert team, today.

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Get Tested By Your Doctor

A simple blood test can determine whether youre suffering from hypothyroidism, and the doctor can give you advice on how to treat it. The same goes for iron deficiency anaemia and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, which has no direct cure but can be managed with treatment. A trained medical professional can help you evaluate the cause of your hair loss, and suggest treatments which are safe for you and your baby.

Medications like minoxidil are traditionally prescribed for female hair loss, but theyre not suitable for use during pregnancy. If your hair loss doesnt resolve during the pregnancy, minoxidil is considered safe to use after youve given birth, so the treatment can start while youre breastfeeding.

Some over the counter or online treatments are considered unsafe for the baby, so never take anything before checking with your doctor first.

Use A Shampoo That Is Soft And Suitable For Your Hair

Shampoos aim is to remove debris and excess oil from your hair. However, many commercial shampoos include harsh chemicals. They may deplete your hair of the natural oil and fatty acids that keep it strong and silky after only one application. Examine the components of your shampoo and choose one that is as natural as possible. If youve been losing a lot of hair, experiment with different products.

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Preventing Hair Fall During Pregnancy

While pregnant, you may or may not be able to avoid hair loss or shedding. It all depends on the cause of your hair loss. However, here are some ways to lessen the possibility of pregnancy hair loss:

• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Focus on getting enough protein, iron, and other necessary nutrients. You should also talk to your doctor about whether an over-the-counter or prescription prenatal vitamin is right for you.
• Consult your doctor to see if any medications or supplements you are taking are causing your hair loss.
• Avoid tight braids, buns, and ponytails, as well as other hairstyles that may cause your hair to pull. While youre at it, avoid twisting, tugging, or rubbing your hair.
• Wash the hair gently and use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling hair too hard during detangling.
• Allowing your hair to rest without using harsh treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil, or permanent treatments.
• Consult your physician. Physical examinations do not always indicate the cause of hair loss. While most cases of hair loss during pregnancy are temporary, some may require treatment for either vitamin supplements or hormone management.

If youve already lost hair, consider utilising volumising shampoos and conditioners. Heavy formulations might cause hair to become weighed down. When conditioning your hair, focus on the ends rather than the scalp for added lift.

Certain haircut styles, such as a short bob, may also make your hair appear fuller as it comes back.

Follow My Babys Growth

Hair loss postpartum, though stressful, is a completely normal symptom of your changing hormones after birth. One of the postpartum symptoms you shouldnt neglect, however, is depression. Be sure to speak to your loved ones or doctor if you are feeling highly anxious, angry, or overwhelmed in the weeks and months following delivery.

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Maintain A Healthy Diet

We all know that maintaining a healthy diet is an important factor for optimal health and wellbeing. For postpartum women in particular, a healthy diet can help your overall recovery and stop postpartum hair loss from progressing.

Make sure your diet includes the necessary balance of vitamins and nutrients found primarily in vegetables, whole grains and fresh fruit. Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day in order to stay hydrated.

The Normal Hair Growth Cycle

Before heading towards the leading causes behind no hair growth, it is essential to understand the normal physiological hair growth cycle.

Our hair passes through various stages of development, one of which is the telogen phase. It is a normal resting phase in which hair doesn’t grow.

Due to underlying processes, our hair goes into this phase and results in no hair growth. It is temporary inhibition of growth and usually restores in few days.

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How Can I Stop My Hair From Falling Out During Pregnancy

There are some ways that you can treat hair loss during pregnancy.

But they wont work on all causes.

So, if you think you are experiencing hair loss as a result of anemia or thyroid problems, do talk to a doctor.

Theyll be able to help guide you toward a solution.

You can help prevent hair loss during pregnancy by trying some of the following:

• Avoid tight hairstyles. If you usually go for a bun, braids, or ponytail, it might be best to change up the style for the time being. Excessive tension can cause strain on your follicles, making hair loss more likely.
• Try to steer clear of hot oils, curling or straightening irons, and other harsh treatments. Your hair may be delicate right now and it is best if you let it relax.
• Use a wide-toothed comb. When combing, wide teeth are better, as they pull less on your hair.
• While they can be tempting, avoid medications such as Minoxidil that can help regrow hair. These are not advised for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Keep a healthy, balanced diet. Try to follow a diet with lots of Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Zinc as deficiencies in these can contribute to an increased risk of hair loss.

What Are The Causes Of Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Outside of pregnancy, in healthy hair growth, hair grows in different stages at any one time, resulting in a roughly consistent number of hairs on the head and hairs falling out. It is normal to shed around 30-150 hairs per day.

During pregnancy and postpartum, big shifts in certain hormone levels have an effect on hair follicle life cycles.

In pregnancy, oestrogen causes hair to stay in the anagen for longer. Hair may look thicker or fuller. This means postpartum, more follicles enter the shedding phases at once leading to an apparent loss of hair. The stress of delivery and sleep deprivation also contribute and you will usually notice this around 3-6 months after birth.

Hair loss during pregnancy could be stress-related, but may also be a sign of a vitamin deficiency or underlying health condition.

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Can Hair Loss Really Be Prevented

Some causes of hair loss like nutrient deficiencies can be prevented with good lifestyle habits. The development of some medical conditions like thyroid disease and cancer may be at least partially out of your control, but treating the underlying medical condition may help reverse hair loss. Genetic hair loss is largely out of your control but minoxidil and low-level laser therapy may help.

Treatment For Hair Loss During Pregnancy

If there is extreme hair loss during pregnancy, in spite of your efforts to address it at home, then see a doctor. They may suggest a Trichotherapy regime or any other treatment that suits your condition.

Trichotherapy regime is a three-step regimen that targets hair loss in a holistic way. The regime contains three products: scalp drops, protein spray, and nutritional supplements, which encourage healthy hair growth. It helps normalize the hair cycle and reduces shedding.

Remember that you cannot control hair loss overnight. It takes some time for your hair to return to normal post-delivery. Remain patient as your body, including your hair, can get back to the pre-pregnancy state with some effort and in time.

Had hair woes during pregnancy? What are your stories? Do share your experiences in the comments section below.

References:

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How To Prevent Hair Loss After Pregnancy

Many women experience dehydration, fatigue, stress, and falling estrogen levels as their body adjusts to life after pregnancy. These factors can lead to increased hair shedding. Some of this hair loss is often related to the stress and exhaustion of having a baby. This condition is temporary and should resolve within a year after the pregnancy has ended.

You can try to minimize hair loss after pregnancy by continuing to take your prenatal vitamins if you are breastfeeding, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding tight hairstyles that pull hair away from the scalp. Dermatologists recommend using lightweight shampoos and conditioners and seeing a stylist to make hair loss appear less obvious until your hair shedding slows down.

Hair Can Become Thicker

Your hair has a natural life cycle. Each individual hair grows, then rests for 2 or 3 months before being pushed out by a new hair growing in that follicle . In pregnancy, this cycle changes.

Many women experience their hair feeling thicker at around 15 weeks of pregnancy.

This is not because each hair strand itself becomes thicker, but because the hair stays longer in the growing phase of its cycle, which means that less hair falls out than usual. This is due to an increase in the hormone oestrogen.

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Why Does Hair Loss During Pregnancy

The main reason for increased hair loss during pregnancy is that your body prepares to feed your baby and therefore tries to establish a new balance for itself. Hair loss, mainly caused by high levels of secreted progesterone and estrogen hormones for the healthy growth of your baby It can also mean that you are deficient in minerals such as iron, folic acid, magnesium. In addition, various ailments such as diabetes and thyroid can cause your hair to fall out during pregnancy. If severe hair loss is accompanied by other problems such as weakness, nausea, depression, and aggression, it is recommended to consult your doctor immediately and have a blood test done.

K But What About Postpartum Hair Loss

If your hair was on point during pregnancy, you can thank your high estrogen levels. Once you gave birth, your estrogen plummeted back to its pre-preggo level. Its not great news for your hair, but its no reason to worry.

Excessive hair shedding usually peaks at 4 months postpartum. Losing handfuls of hair while youre recovering from birth is no fun and it can be scary to see giant clumps in the shower or on the floor but this type of telogen effluvium typically goes away in time.

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Prevent Hair Loss During Pregnancy

If you do happen to suffer hair loss during pregnancy, take the following steps to prevent the excessive loss of hair:

• The first and the foremost thing is to avoid unnecessary stress.
• Do not use a hair drier unless you really need to and make sure that you only use it at a lower temperature.
• Dont comb or brush your hair too often and with force. It is also better to avoid excessive hair styling.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Consume salads, green vegetables, and fruits as much as you can in order to get these nutrients. A healthy diet results in healthy hair.
• Learn some gentle scalp exercises and massage your scalp so as to improve blood circulation.
• Avoid using hair colors containing harmful chemicals. These chemicals can lead to excessive hair fall.
• Use mild shampoos and preferably herbal shampoos.

Dont Panic Postpartum Hair Loss Is Normal

It can be an alarming discovery. Youre going about your regular hair-care routine savoring those moments alone where you can tend to your own self-care. When all of a sudden you look down at your brush and find large clumps of your hair tangled in the bristles!

Dont panicpostpartum hair loss is normal. Learn more about what causes postpartum hair loss, how long it lasts, and some postpartum hair loss remedies to help treat it.

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Is There Treatment For Postpartum Hair Loss

Taking care of a newborn is a stressful, exhausting time and can put a lot of strain on your body, as can breastfeeding. Start by ensuring your blood sugar, iron, ferritin, zinc and vitamin D levels are normal. Next, do as much as you can to minimize stress , eat a healthy diet with plenty of protein to aid the hair growth process, and dont be afraid to shampoo frequently. Its commonly thought that not shampooing as often will minimize hair loss, but the truth is, the frequency with which you wash your hair will not affect the amount of hair you lose, says Salinger. The hair that is ready to fall will fall.

If youve ascertained that your blood work is normal, consider talking to a dermatologistor certified trichologist. Treatment options can include medication, therapies to reduce inflammation around hair follicles and at-home lasers that stimulate new hair growth.

The bottom line: Though losing clumps of hair feels anything but normal for most women in their child-bearing years, it really is. Its almost a mom badge of honour, says Midey. I ended up wearing headbands, and strategically parted my hair to cover bald spots. I even used hairpieces at times. But my hair is growing back steadily now. Even if I had to go completely bald in order to have my children, it would still be worth it.

How Hormones Affect Your Hair Growth

In pregnant, postpartum and menopausal women, estrogen is the leading hormone that affects your hair growth.

During pregnancy, your body increases the amount of estrogen it produces which signals more follicles to enter the growing phase than the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. During this time, you may experience fuller, thicker hair. You may also notice that your hair grows significantly faster during pregnancy than it did before you were carrying your little one.

Following childbirth, estrogen levels drop , prompting the hair follicles to enter the resting phase and fewer hairs to grow. After about 100 days in the resting phase, the hair begins to shed.

In addition to the estrogen and progesterone changes in the postpartum period, stress and nutrition impact hormone levels, which and can also influence hair growth.

Thyroiditis, caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland, results in an imbalance of thyroid hormones which can also affect your hair growth.

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