If you’re pregnant and experiencing hair loss, you may be wondering whether there is a cause. Though being pregnant does not necessarily mean you will have hair loss. Hair loss early in pregnancy can be related to hormones or stress. Besides, it can be related to underlying health issues. Read on to learn about hair loss in pregnancy and how to both treat and prevent it.
What’s Hair Loss in Pregnancy?
Hair loss in pregnancy is a problem due to specific reasons for this period. It is usually experienced due to hormonal problems, stress, or other health problems.
Reasons for Hair Loss in Pregnancy
Some women do experience hair loss during pregnancy. They notice that their hair is thinning or falling out more. This can begin during pregnancy. Besides, it can continue postpartum. Hair loss can be concerning. However, it is usually a temporary result of shifting hormones or the normal stresses of pregnancy. But, hair loss in pregnancy can also be a sign of a more serious medical case.
Hair loss in pregnancy causes:
Hormonal Condition
Some women may experience hair loss due to stress or shock. This cause is called telogen effluvium, and it affects a small number of women in pregnancy. Hair loss depending on hormonal shifts may not happen right away. Instead, it may take 3 to 4 months to notice thinning. This condition doesn’t generally last longer than six months. Besides, it doesn’t result in permanent hair loss.
Health Problems
Likewise, health issues may arise during pregnancy. The hair lossing can be quite dramatic for patient. Especially if it’s related to an ongoing imbalance in hormones. Too much thyroid hormone or too little thyroid hormone may be difficult to spot in the pregnancy.
Of the two conditions, hypothyroidism is more common. It’s affecting some 3 or 4 out of 100 pregnant women. Hair loss is one symptom, along with muscle cramps and constipation. Around 2 in 40 women may also experience thyroid issues after baby is born. In all situation, thyroid issues are typically diagnosed with a blood test.
Stress
Hair loss is more common than after birth. But, it can happen during pregnancy. Thinning and shedding of hair occur depending on the stress state of the expectant mother. The treatment of this condition is stress reduction methods.
Hair Loss in Pregnancy First Trimester
The first trimester may stress to the body as the balance of hormones shifts dramatically. Stress may put more of the hairs on your head into the telogen or “resting” phase of the hair life cycle. So, you may lose 300 hairs a day.
Hair Loss in Pregnancy Boy or Girl
The problem of hair loss in pregnancy is not experienced based on the baby’s gender. This is a condition that only develops due to stress, hormonal disorders or different diseases. The notion that hair loss due to the baby’s sexuality has increased or decreased is not true.
Hair Loss in After Pregnancy
Hair loss pregnancy after birth is more common. This is because the mother’s stress level has increased. At the same time, hormonal changes also peak during this period. Postpartum hair loss is a normal condition. On average, it can last as long as 3 or 4 months. Dermatologists refer to this situation as excessive hair loss. Excessive loss is caused by falling estrogen levels.
Anemia and Hair Loss in Pregnancy
Anemia happens when you don’t have enough red blood cells to get oxygen to different tissues in the body. It can cause hair thinning along with other symptoms, like fatigue, exertional shortness of breath, and headache.
Pregnant women are at a heightened risk of developing anemia. Especially if their pregnancies are spaced close together, they’re pregnant with multiples. This disease can also be diagnosed with a blood test.
While hair loss with these conditions isn’t permanent. But your hair may not return to its normal thickness until hormone or vitamin levels have returned to normal ranges.
Treatments
Hair loss in pregnancy may require no special treatment. It mostly resolves on its own over time.
If hair growth doesn’t return to previous levels, doctors sometimes prescribe minoxidil. But this drug is not considered safe for use in this period.
In the case of anemia, working with your doctor to find medication that will return your levels to normal should help start the regrowth cycle with time.
If you’ve had the hair loss problem for a long time and have a regional baldness problem, you may prefer hair transplantation as an effective treatment method.
Hair Loss After Pregnancy Vitamins
Failure to get enough of nutrient-high foods causes hair loss. Iron, protein, mineral and vitamin deficiency also contribute to this condition. Furthermore, excess vitamin intake may also be a cause of hair loss. For this reason, you should not use any vitamin without ask to your doctor.
Hair loss in pregnancy home remedies can may be. The drugs used can have a side effect in this way. Therefore, make sure to consult your doctor to use these medications again. If there are any side effects, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Try eating healthily at the same time as using vitamins your doctor recommends. The more naturally you take vitamins, the more you benefit.
To learn more about hair transplantation process, read our blog “How is a Hair Transplant Done: All Procedures“
Frequently Asked Questions
When do you stop losing hair when pregnant?
Hair loss or thinning during pregnancy is less common than hair loss after birth. But this reaction is a normal reaction from the body. And it’s not usually a cause for concern. The body’s hormonal balance is impaired. So it can trigger a reaction in the hair follicles.
How can I strengthen my hair during pregnancy?
Two or three times a week fat massages keep the scalp healthy. Healthy hair, on the other hand, is naturally strong. Feeding the hair keeps the hair loss problem in check. It is also a good way to do things that will reduce your stress.
What vitamins can I take for hair loss while pregnant?
Vitamin E and B found in many hair growth supplements and treatments. These are great for overall hair, skin, and nail health, says many doctors.
Is hair loss in pregnancy normal?
Hair loss during pregnancy is normal. Especially if related to hormone changes or certain health conditions. Hair growth should resume with treatment for the underlying cause. Hair shedding after pregnancy continiue around four months postpartum.