Hair fall during pregnancy: causes, changes, treatment and prevention

Growing a tiny human inside you will definitely shake things up, and it can also come with pregnancy hair changes. Your hair may thicken and shine due to high estrogen levels, which decrease hair shedding. On the other hand, you may also experience hair fall during pregnancy.

A lot of pregnant women also suffer from hair loss in the months following delivery.

Hair changes in early pregnancy can be caused by hormones, stress on the body, or pregnancy-related medical conditions.

Pregnancy hair growth varies and may be different for each woman. It helps to know the causes, what changes to expect, and what you can do about it. 

This article will discuss:

• Why hair fall during pregnancy happens
• What pregnancy hair changes you can expect
• What you can do to prevent hair fall and encourage healthy pregnancy hair growth

Causes of pregnancy hair changes

On average, men and women shed 50 to 100 hairs every day. The natural cycle of hair follicle loss is slowed by rising estrogen levels during pregnancy. As a result, some pregnant women may lose less hair. This, however, is not always the case.

Here’s why you may have hair fall during pregnancy:

1. Hormonal Shift

As a result of the hormonal shift, some women have telogen effluvium (TE), also known as stress-induced hair loss.

TE works as follows: your body sheds 30 percent or more of your hair in response to shock, trauma, or stress. This could cause you to lose 100 to 300 strands of hair per day. But even at that rate, it may be some time before you see thinning hair.

TE usually subsides after a few months.

2. It could be an underlying health problem

Growing a baby puts a lot of strain on your body. It raises your chances of developing various health problems, including:

• Diabetes during pregnancy
• elevated blood pressure
• Pregnancy hyperemesis
• imbalances in hormones
• a lack of vitamins

These medical disorders, depending on their severity, can lead to TE.

a. Thyroid problems

Thyroid issues, such as hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone), can be difficult to diagnose during pregnancy.

The more common of the two illnesses, hypothyroidism, affects 2 or 3 out of every 100 pregnant women. One of the symptoms is hair loss, which also includes muscle cramps, constipation, and weariness.

One in every 20 moms will suffer thyroid difficulties after the baby is born (postpartum thyroiditis). A blood test is nearly often used to diagnose thyroid issues.

b. Iron deficiency

Pregnancy increases the likelihood of developing iron-deficiency anemia. Low iron levels suggest a paucity of red blood cells, which are responsible for efficiently transporting oxygen throughout the body. This causes pregnancy hair changes like thinning as well as a variety of other symptoms, including:

• exhaustion
• irregular heartbeat
• breathing problems
• headaches that come back

Because anemia is more than simply a pregnancy problem, you won’t be able to recover the volume and luster of your hair unless you treat your iron levels.

If you are pregnant and suspect you have anemia, see your doctor. A simple blood test can determine whether you require iron supplements.

Changes to expect: When does hair fall during pregnancy stop?

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Many women have hair loss during pregnancy, especially during the postpartum period. It typically resolves itself over a period of six months to a year. As your body adjusts and your hormones return to normal, the hair shedding stops.

If there is an underlying issue, a doctor can help you determine and treat the source, and pregnancy hair changes are unlikely to be permanent. Consult your doctor if you suspect your hair loss is severe or is accompanied by other chronic issues.

Postpartum hair loss

Many women have hair loss within a few months after delivery, with a peak around four months after giving birth. This is not true hair loss, but “excessive hair shedding” caused by a drop in estrogen levels.

Telogen effluvium is a term used to describe this type of hair loss. It is characterized by widespread hair thinning. While watching 300 or more hairs fall out every day can be unpleasant, it usually resolves on its own.

On the other hand, a genetic or autoimmune disease may result in bald patches or clumps on one side or the top of your head. These disorders cause baldness or hair loss whether you have a baby or not. 

Other causes of hair loss

It is critical to note that telogen effluvium produces consistent hair thinning. If you notice patches or more severe baldness, other causes may be at play. Hereditary and autoimmune illnesses can also cause hair loss, whether or not you are pregnant.

Androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness) is caused by a shorter hair follicle growth phase and a longer time between hair shedding and new growth.

Alopecia areata causes patchy hair loss on the scalp and other parts of the body. Hair loss and regeneration may be inconsistent or cyclical. Although there is no cure for this type of hair loss, various treatments may be effective in halting the loss and restoring hair.

Treatment for hair fall during pregnancy

Hair loss during and after pregnancy may not require any special attention. It generally resolves on its own with time.

If hair growth does not return to pre-treatment levels, your doctor may prescribe minoxidil (Rogaine), which is not considered safe to use during pregnancy.

You can work with your doctor to find medication or vitamin supplements that will restore your levels to normal. This is if you have conditions like hypothyroidism or iron deficiency anemia.

Most treatments for other illnesses, including androgenic alopecia, are also not recommended during pregnancy. Instead of taking medicines, you can ask your doctor about low-level laser treatment (LLLT), which uses red light pulses to stimulate healthy pregnancy hair growth.

READ MORE: 

What a mother’s body really looks like – and how to start falling in love with yours again!

Hair Fall Conditioner Brands for Postpartum Hair Loss: Stress less with these hair savers!

Postpartum Hair Fall: What causes it and how to deal with it

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. Here are some ways to encourage healthy pregnancy hair growth.

• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Focus on getting enough protein, iron, and other necessary nutrients. You should also talk to your doctor about which 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 any hairstyle that may cause your hair to pull. While you’re at it, avoid twisting, tugging, or rubbing your hair.
• Wash hair gently and use a wide-toothed comb to avoid pulling too hard during detangling.
• Allow your hair to rest without using harsh treatments like hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil, or permanent treatments.
• Consult your physician. Physical exams 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 you’ve already experienced hair changes in early pregnancy, consider using volumizing 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.

Shampoo for pregnant women: What we recommend

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Here are a few shampoos for pregnant women that moms recommend!

Mama’s Choice Treatment Shampoo

Our first shampoo comes from a popular brand among moms and women-to-be. Mama’s Choice Treatment Shampoo exclusively contains natural ingredients like kiwi, hazelnut, and green peas to nourish the hair and scalp. They also help protect against hair loss and breaking. It does not contain SLS, colors, alcohol, or silicone.

It is popular mostly because it is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.

What’s great about it?

• Kiwi helps with hair loss 
• Hazelnut for hair and scalp nourishment
• Green pea is used to promote hair development.

Benefits

• Nourishes the scalp and strengthens your hair’s roots.
• Promotes new hair growth 
• Ideal for pregnant and nursing women
• Simple to use in a handy pump bottle

Zenutrients Gugo Strengthening Shampoo

Hair can make or break a person’s image and confidence, which is why Zenutrients Gugo strengthening shampoo is a great choice for expecting moms. This product aims to strengthen and promote pregnancy hair growth while minimizing hair fall and breaking. It is also suitable for all hair types, so it’s perfect for the pregnancy hair changes you are experiencing.

What’s great about it?

It contains gugo, a natural ingredient used even before shampoos were invented. This is because its bark has saponins, which naturally clean hair. What’ more, this product doesn’t just prevent hair fall, it also treats dandruff and itchy scalp.

Benefits

• Use for a variety of purposes
• For efficient hair strengthening, apply on a daily basis.
• Improves scalp health
• It fortifies the roots as well as the tips of the hair strands.

Avalon Organics Biotin B-Complex Thickening Shampoo

Avalon Organics is proud to use clean and sustainable materials. They also practice organic farming, and are vegan and cruelty-free. The brand attitude is represented in their thickening shampoo.

It is EWG-verified, which means it meets the Environment Working Group’s stringent criteria. That means you’ll get a thickening shampoo that’s also kind on the skin and doesn’t harm the environment. 

You can use this shampoo alone or in conjunction with your regular shampoo to observe a noticeable reduction in hair fall, healthy pregnancy hair growth, and increased body in your hair.

What’s great about it?

• Contains biotin, palmetta, quinoa-dervied protein, and Vitamin E, which can all help with the pregnancy hair changes you are going through. 

Benefits

• Promotes the growth of body in fine, thinning hair.
• GMOs, SLS, synthetic fragrances, or phthalates are not present.