You might have heard that hair becomes thick and strong during pregnancy. This may be true, all thanks to high levels of estrogen. But for some women, this is not the case.
Some moms-to-be, however, experience thinning of hair or hair loss during pregnancy. This can either happen during pregnancy or in the months immediately following birth.
Considering hair loss is normal and can happen to anyone. Hair loss, while you are pregnant, can be a bit concerning. There can be a number of underlying reasons for that. Read on to learn more about hair loss and to prevent and treat it during pregnancy.
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Is Hair Loss a Sign of Pregnancy?
Since hair loss more typically occurs after pregnancy and not during it, it should never be considered a sign of pregnancy. For some women, losing hair in early pregnancy can be due to stress or hormone-related issues.
Keeping in view, hair loss during pregnancy, it is very important to understand how hair growth functions at different times. All hair goes through a lifecycle. If commonly explained, it can be said that if 90 percent of the hair is in the growth process, the 10 percent is in the resting phase.
The best gynecologists at Doctors Hospital say that resting hair falls out every two to three months, making room for new hair to grow. So, some hair loss happens on a regular basis just like it happens to anyone.
If the hair loss you are facing is in the early months of pregnancy, then stress and hormones are to blame.
What Hair Loss is Considered Normal During Pregnancy?
In addition to hair loss due to hormone-related issues, there are some other causes of hair loss during pregnancy that are considered to be very normal. It is possible, during pregnancy or any other time, to face hair loss from trauma to the hair follicles themselves. Sometimes, wearing your hair tightly in ponytails and buns all the time can cause hair loss. Certain beauty treatments can also cause hair fall.
The most common time women experience hair loss is in the months following childbirth. This postpartum hair loss is not the same as other types of hair loss. It is caused by a sudden drop in estrogen following delivery.
Although it may be shocking to see hundreds of hair falling out every time you wash or comb your hair. Now, there is no need to worry as hair loss during pregnancy and even after is a very normal experience that usually resolves within six months or so.
In some cases, when the hair is treated harshly, it can cause traction alopecia which is hair loss caused by pulling on your hair excessively. If this is happening, try wearing your hair down more often or switching styles every few days to avoid putting in the same repeat tight style.
What Causes Hair Loss During Pregnancy?
Hair loss that occurs during pregnancy can be a result of underlying chronic or unaddressed health issues. Two of the common causes of hair loss related to chronic health issues are low iron or thyroid disorders.
Low Iron Levels
Iron deficiency or low levels of iron occur 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 an irregular heartbeat, exertional shortness of breath, fatigue, and headache.
Pregnant women are at an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia, especially if their pregnancies are really close together, or they are pregnant with multiples, or if they have severe morning sickness.
Hair loss during pregnancy with this condition is not normal and never permanent. Your hair may not return to the normal thickness until hormone or vitamin levels have returned to normal ranges.
Thyroid Disorders
Thyroid issues like hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid hormone) or hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone) may be difficult to spot during pregnancy.
Of the two conditions, hypothyroidism is more common affecting 2 or 3 out of 100 pregnant women. Hair loss is one of the symptoms along with constipation, muscle cramps, and exhaustion. Dr. Rabbia Ashraf, who is the best gynecologist in Pakistan says that a lot of women go through a number of thyroid issues even after the baby is born. In all these cases, thyroid issues are typically diagnosed with a blood test.
Preventing Hair Loss During Pregnancy
Preventing hair loss may not always be possible, but there are certain behaviors that may make a difference. Two of the methods for that are taking a healthy diet and making healthy lifestyle choices.
Eating a whole foods diet consisting of vegetables and fruits., eggs, and healthy meats, with limited processed and sugary foods is a great first step.
This kind of diet will give you more energy and keep your anemia away. And maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes a daily dose of relaxing activities and fun can help you reduce stress, an excess of which can aggravate autoimmune conditions and thyroid disorders.
Read, overeating during pregnancy to explore more.
Treating Hair Loss During Pregnancy
If you are a pregnant woman and are experiencing hair loss because of stress and hormones, or if you are in your postpartum phase, then there might not be a magic pill that can help you. In these conditions, time is the best remedy that can help you.
If you do feel like there are serious underlying conditions causing your hair loss, then do make sure to contact a professional for that matter.
Avoid taking medications on your own, however, medicines taken to manage thyroid can be taken as prescribed by doctors to feel better, as these aren’t linked to causing malformations or harmful effects in the babies.
Read more about medicines to avoid during pregnancy to explore more.
When to Contact Healthwire
Hair loss during pregnancy is very common. It can be managed well if not taken too seriously. If you think that there is something bigger than just the hair fall, then make sure to discuss this with the best lady doctors near you to get the best recommendation to cure hair fall.
