Hair Conditions, During And After Pregnancy

The hair follicles on the scalp undergo a normal cyclic pattern which persists throughout a person’s lifetime. There are, however, certain conditions which can dramatically affect this cycle; for women, the onset of pregnancy involves drastic changes in hair texture and volume, both during and after the conception. Understand though that this condition is normal and will usually naturally be remedied in time. If you are currently experiencing changes in your hair’s growth patterns, the condition is caused by hormonal changes within your body more than anything else.

A pregnant woman’s body undergoes drastic changes, one of which is an increase in the body’s production of estrogen, a hormone which can affect the body, as well as the hair’s natural growth cycle. An estrogen boost during pregnancy causes more hair follicles to transition quickly into the growth phase of their cycle, known as the anagen phase; as a result, more follicles are growing new hair, at a faster rate than usual. The increased estrogen level also hinders follicles from entering the shedding stages of their cycle, known as the catagen phase, so fewer hair strands are also lost during this same period. This results in thick, long hair which lasts up to the point when the conceiving woman gives birth.

The hormonal imbalance which occurs after childbirth causes hair growth conditions which are very different from those experienced during conception. Once the child is delivered, and the placenta which provides nourishment for the baby is also removed, a woman’s body experiences a drastic reduction in estrogen. The lack of estrogen, combined with the fluctuating hormones experienced postpartum, causes many of the hair follicles to enter the shedding stages of the cycle. In addition, other follicles will also regress to the resting stages, or the telogen phase. When hair growth is down to a minimum, and the current strands are shed from their follicles, a dramatic hair loss is experienced.

Once the body readjusts itself to hormonal levels prior to pregnancy, the hair follicles’ natural functions should be able to revert back to normal. The recovery period may last for up to a year before going back to normal conditions, but there are cases wherein the condition is permanent. This is usually due to any underlying illness which contributes to the hair loss, or is the cause of very severe hormonal changes during pregnancy. The body may also not be able to fully recuperate from the imbalance months after the woman gives birth; in such cases, medical attention and treatment is necessary, both for the hair loss and the underlying cause.

Although you can do nothing to get rid of the symptoms during and post-pregnancy, you can still treat your hair to tender, loving care, especially during such dramatic changes in its cycle. Avoid wearing your hair in such a way that the strands are stressed and pulled at, like pigtails and braids. Have a healthy diet, with foods rich in flavonoids and antioxidants; these provide for follicle protection and promote hair growth. Supplements can also help in easing the symptoms, especially Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C and E, Biotin, and Zinc. But whatever happens, enjoy the pregnancy; motherhood is a privilege, so don’t let hair fallouts get in the way of the joys of being a new mom.