Hair Loss During Pregnancy

You may have heard how a few women experience lustrous and shiny hair during pregnancy. At the same time, there are a few other women who experience extreme hair fall, dandruff, and other hair-related problems. Sometimes, they may even face hair loss after delivering the baby. 

While it's quite concerning, these hair conditions are normal when you’re pregnant and occur due to hormonal fluctuations, stress in the body, and other medical conditions. Now, let’s learn more about these changes in your hair, including other postpartum hair loss remedies, in detail.

Reasons Behind Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Did you know that an average human loses at least 50 to 100 hairs a day? However, an increase in estrogen levels slows down the natural cycle of hair follicle shedding during pregnancy. Hence, a few women tend to lose less hair while pregnant. However, this is just one reason for hair loss during pregnancy. Additional reasons include:

1. Hormonal Shift

A few women may experience hair shedding or thinning because of stress or shock. This condition, called telogen effluvium, affects a few women during pregnancy. The first trimester may stress the body more as the balance of hormones shifts frequently to support the growing baby. Stress may put over 30% of your hair into the “resting” phase of the life cycle. So, you may lose 300 hairs a day instead of losing the average 100 hairs a day. 

Hair loss may not happen immediately to pregnant women, especially because of hormonal shifts. Instead, you may take around 2-4 months to notice hair thinning. Moreover, this condition lasts no longer than six months and doesn't result in permanent hair loss.

2. Health Issues

You may face several other health issues during pregnancy that lead to telogen effluvium. You can also ask your healthcare provider about the nutritional causes of hair loss in pregnancy. Meanwhile, here are some medical issues that cause hair loss or shedding: 

• Thyroid Problems

Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) or hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone), may be difficult to identify during pregnancy.

Hypothyroidism affects over 2 or 3 out of 100 pregnant women and is more common of the two conditions. Its symptoms include hair loss, constipation, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. Around 1 in 20 women also experience thyroid issues (postpartum thyroiditis) after their baby is born. 

• Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency happens due to a lack of red blood cells that can easily supply oxygen to different tissues in the body. This condition can also cause hair thinning, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, headache, and exertional shortness of breath. 

Pregnant women may often be at risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, especially if they're pregnant with multiples, their pregnancies are spaced close together, or they experience severe morning sickness. Just like a thyroid, this condition can also be diagnosed with the help of a blood test.

3. Postpartum Hair Loss

Some pregnant women experience hair loss a few months after delivery, which typically peaks around four months postpartum. This leads to “excessive hair shedding” and is often caused by a drop in the hormone estrogen during pregnancy. 

While it may be quite frightening for you to witness 300 or more hairs shed each day, it usually resolves on its own without treatment. You may also approach your healthcare provider and learn how to prevent hair fall while pregnant. 

• Pregnancy Hair Loss vs Postpartum Hair Loss

Hormonal changes can affect hair during and after pregnancy differently. Here's a quick comparison between pregnancy hair loss and postpartum hair loss to help you understand the key differences:

Also Read: Vaginal discharge during pregnancy

Safe Hair Treatments During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can affect your hair, and it’s essential to choose treatments that are safe for both you and your baby. Here are some safe options to keep your hair healthy and looking great:

• Regular Haircuts and Trims: These cuttings can easily remove split ends and maintain healthy hair growth. A simple haircut is safe during pregnancy and can boost your hair's appearance completely.
• Natural Hair Masks: Ingredients like avocado, olive oil, and honey provide nourishment without harsh chemicals. These DIY masks can condition and hydrate your hair naturally.
• Henna: A natural, chemical-free alternative to hair dye. Henna is generally safe during pregnancy, but it’s important to do a patch test first to ensure there’s no allergic reaction.
• Sulfate-Free Shampoos and Conditioners: Opt for gentle, organic shampoos free from sulfates and parabens. These products are less likely to dry out your hair or irritate your scalp. 
• Hot Oil Treatments: Using oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil can nourish and moisturize your scalp. Just ensure the oil is applied gently to avoid scalp irritation.
• Dry Shampoo: It's an easy and quick way to refresh your hair between washes. However, you must make sure to use dry shampoo in moderation to avoid product buildup on the scalp, despite the fact that it's safe to use.

Manage Hair Loss During Pregnancy with the Right Tips!

Hair loss during pregnancy is common and often relates to hormone changes, including other relevant health conditions in women. The good part is that your hair growth should resume with time or with proper medical treatment for the underlying cause.

Hair shedding may increase drastically in the first four months postpartum after pregnancy. However, you will likely regain your normal growth within six to nine months after your baby is born. Do not forget to ask your healthcare provider about postpartum hair loss remedies to make sure your hair loss stops for good. 

If you notice other symptoms or your hair loss continues, seek consultation from our experts at Apollo Spectra to see if there’s another possible cause for hair loss and get a personalized treatment plan.