Pregnancy is one of the most fabulous and eagerly awaited phases in a woman’s life, filled with physical, emotional, and psychological changes. How you handle these changes is important to your well-being as well as that of your baby. Pregnancy has always been associated with that famous “pregnancy glow” and “luscious locks”, thanks to the increase in estrogen levels. But unfortunately, not all women have this kind of experience. Pregnancy might cause hair to fall out more instead of becoming denser and brighter. Don’t worry there is nothing wrong with that. With the right care and understanding, it can be managed and even encouraged to be stronger and healthier in the post-pregnancy period.
Why Does Pregnancy Cause Hair Loss?
It is important to understand why pregnancy can lead to hair loss before diving right into the care process. One of the main reasons for hair loss is hormonal fluctuations but this might be not the only reason for that. Here are some of the factors that might cause hair loss during pregnancy.
Hormonal Fluctuation
Hormonal changes during pregnancy are very common, due to an increase in estrogen levels people might see that their skin has become glowy and their hair looks much denser and smoother. But that’s not the case with everyone, sometimes frequent changes in the estrogen level can make hair look thinner which might result in excess hair loss during and after the pregnancy as well.
Stress
Pregnancy can be a very stressful time for a woman, carrying a new life inside your body can be both emotionally and physically demanding. Stress is one of the main reasons that can make your hair follicle weak which results in the hair thinning, thus leading to more hair fall.
Nutrition Deficiency
While pregnant you might have noticed that your appetite has increased more than before, well this is necessary as your body’s main focus is to provide enough energy and nutrients to you and your baby. Well while your body has started to absorb more nutrients, it prioritizes the needs of the baby. This often leads to insufficient nutrients for the mother. This can cause various health changes in women’s bodies including the excess hair fall.
Thyroid Imbalance
Pregnancy affects the thyroid; an under-active or overactive thyroid can cause loss of hair. It’s a good idea to discuss this with your health care provider if you’re finding your hair is falling out in big clumps along with possibly feeling fatigued or other changes in the skin.
How to Manage and Prevent Prenatal Hair Loss
While your body is going through so many changes, it is impossible to stop your hair fall during pregnancy, but there are some tips and lifestyle changes that might help you manage them. Some of them are listed below.
Take a Balanced Diet
As we have already discussed during pregnancy women tend to be more nutrition deficient as compared to their normal days. So eating a well-maintained balanced diet can help to tackle that situation. This not only makes you and your baby healthy but also helps in controlling the hair fall that you might have been facing.
Take Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins have been specially formulated to support both maternal and fetal health, and most of them contain nutrients like folic acid, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids that help strengthen hair. When you are nursing, continue taking the prenatal vitamins since they support hair recovery and overall health. But it is very important to consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is the key to making your skin and hair both healthy and smoother. Drinking a proportionate amount of water during pregnancy will help you keep calm and will also maintain your hair health as well.
Gentle Haircare Routine
If you are losing too much of your hair strands then it is important to skin your hair products which contain too many chemicals. Opt for a gentle hair cleanser and conditioner for your hair that will not harm your hair follicles. You can also look up various DIY masks that can help you strengthen your hair. But remember nothing will give you an immediate result. You have to be patient and calm during the process.
Scalp Massage
Massage the scalp regularly using natural oils, such as coconut, argan, or even olive oil, to stimulate blood flow to the hair follicles. A healthy scalp is the basis for strong, vibrant hair, and regular massaging can help provide nourishment to hair roots.
Manage Stress
Pregnancy is one of the most happy yet stressful phases of any woman’s life. Doing regular exercises, yoga, and proper sleep can help you to manage stress. Less stress will help you to control your hair fall and it will also bring out your inner glow.
Exercise Regularly
It is beneficial to move your body even though you are pregnant, pregnancy yoga, muscle training, walking, and jogging are beneficial for your and your baby’s overall health. It will help in better sleep quality and also help in controlling the imbalance of hormones. This eventually helps in better skin and hair health.
Bottom Line
Pregnancy hair loss is a completely normal and temporary condition, although it can be very stressful for many women. If you understand the reason behind these hair changes and take steps to care for your hair, you are bound to sail through this phase with much confidence. And remember, whether your hair is growing thicker during pregnancy or maybe shedding, it is doing some pretty incredible things, so with patience and proper care, your hair will bounce back stronger than ever.
