During pregnancy, it is more common for hair strands to become thicker, silkier, and more vibrant. Despite this, hormonal changes can also lead to hair loss, especially at the beginning of pregnancy. It is also a very common phenomenon in the month after childbirth. In a phase of major changes in a woman’s life, when her body is going through many transformations at the same time – since she is generating a life inside her – changes can be noticed ranging from toenails to hair strands! For this reason, it is very common for you to notice that your hair is different. Usually, these hair changes even make hair look more beautiful and healthy, but this depends on your hair history, your diet, and your body’s response to changes1.

Why Does It Fall Out?

With the increase of hormones that regulate the woman’s reproductive cycle, such as progesterone and estrogen, hair may become stronger, but also depends on male hormones to obtain its natural oiliness and not become dry and brittle. Progesterone is the female hormone produced by the ovaries; testosterone, considered a male hormone, is also produced by women in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Both together stimulate the secretion of the sebaceous glands, making hair and skin oilier. Both excess oiliness and lack of it can cause hair loss2. In the first case, after washing your hair, brushing can cause a noticeable amount of hair strands to fall out. In the second case, hair does not fall from the root, but due to dryness, it breaks at some points and may fall out throughout the day.

Main Causes of Hair Loss

To sum up, the causes of hair loss during pregnancy are usually:

  • Increase in Progesterone
  • Excess scalp oiliness
  • Nutritional deficiency during pregnancy
  • Stress and anxiety

If you start to notice patches or bald spots in your hair, this is a sign of a condition that must be investigated by a doctor.

Hair Loss During Pregnancy Is Normal

“I am pregnant and my hair is falling out a lot” – Hair loss during pregnancy should not be a major concern for women, however, any changes can be reported to the doctor responsible for monitoring the pregnancy. They may recommend a medication or shampoo that can improve the condition and will not harm the baby. It is important to remember during these times that, after one year postpartum, almost all changes caused by pregnancy will have passed. Only mothers with a genetic predisposition to baldness will need to worry about hair loss for a longer period, and will require more specific treatment, as every body reacts differently.

Treatment for Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Treatments for hair loss vary from woman to woman and depend on the mother’s test results, which may indicate anemia, deficiency of certain nutrients, or simply hormonal and mood changes, which are natural in pregnancy. Dermatologists can assist in the treatment and recommend a strengthening lotion to buy at pharmacies, to help prevent increased hair loss due to pregnancy. A diet rich in proteins can also improve the condition. For those with a predisposition to baldness, medical monitoring before and after pregnancy, when progesterone levels drop and thus hair loss becomes more common, is advisable to prevent worsening of the problem. In general, shampoo used for washing hair should be of good quality, preferably “gentle” or “No and Low Poo” types (a recent discovery: these are more natural shampoos free of parabens, silicones, and petroleum derivatives). In this way, you support both the environment and your own health and your baby’s. It is also important to avoid coloring your hair during pregnancy with ammonia-based products, especially in the first trimester, as these chemicals can even affect the baby’s development. Other chemical procedures, such as Brazilian keratin treatment, are always discouraged by specialists. These substances can be absorbed into your bloodstream, and consequently reach the uterus, placenta, and baby. The best thing to do is take care of your hair and your diet naturally from the beginning of pregnancy. Practicing self-massage on the scalp is also, besides pleasurable, a good way to stimulate growth and hair health.

IMPORTANT: Be cautious with homemade tips and medications recommended by friends and family. What is suitable for one person may not be good for you, especially during pregnancy.

Tips to Control Hair Loss

Therefore, to avoid problems with hair loss before, during, or after pregnancy, it is recommended to pay attention to the following tips:

  • Pregnancy can cause hair loss and this is normal up to six months after childbirth: so don’t worry, as stress can worsen hair loss.
  • For your diet, try to assemble meals with a good nutrient balance and focus on protein, iron, and zinc, avoiding deficiencies such as anemia, which also causes other issues during pregnancy3.
  • Massaging your scalp twice a week with a strengthening lotion can yield good results against hair loss.
  • The capillary peeling, which is a scalp exfoliation, removes dead cells and reduces oiliness and hair loss; it can be done at home as well.
  • No and Low-Poo and gentle shampoos keep hair healthy and have no contraindications.
  • After childbirth, you can use lotions with active ingredients that control oiliness.
  • It’s better to avoid brushing your hair too often or tying it up too tightly.

See Also: Why Does Postpartum Hair Loss Occur? Photo: ishawalia