There are instances where most women discuss their horrifying experience of extreme hair loss during pregnancy. It can be disheartening to lose lustrous as well as shiny hair when you are experiencing the most beautiful period of your life. There are many other hair issues that can be faced by pregnant women, such as dandruff, scalp issues, etc. All these problems during your pregnancy can be concerning as they are not considered normal. No wonder the issues can occur due to various reasons. It is always better to consult the best gynaecologist in Punjab to handle these issues while doing your bit in having beautiful hair. This article will guide you in understanding the reasons behind extreme hair fall during pregnancy and some tips to overcome it.
Pregnancy: The changes in your hair
The hormonal surge and triggered oestrogen hormone can lead to enhanced hair growth. This situation occurs mostly during the first trimester. It happens mainly because there is a pause in the growth of the hair cycle as it gets to the resting phase. Whereas, there are some women who witness sudden as well as rapid hair loss during their entire pregnancy phase. The entire situation of hair fall in pregnancy is called telogen effluvium. This situation mostly occurs during the initial five months when a woman is pregnant. It can occur in around 40-50% of women. However, the condition is mostly temporary and one need not feel depressed about it.
The main reason behind hair loss during pregnancy
There are many factors that contribute to the situation of hair loss during pregnancy. This can be slightly concerning and it is necessary to look after the main reasons behind it:
- Lack of nutrition: It is always suggested that pregnant women have a nutritious diet. This is highly important for the body to meet all the demands involving essential vitamins, proteins, omega-3, and other minerals. Otherwise, the body will be able to see a severe impact due to a lack of nutrition. It is also essential to understand that extreme morning sickness can allow a woman to lose ample amounts of nutrients from her body. This further leads to extreme hairfall during the time of pregnancy.
- Health problems: There are various health problems that can result in hair loss during pregnancy. Hair loss or shedding is not just because of a lack of nutrition, but also health issues, such as:
- Thyroid issues – Facing too much or too little thyroid problems can be hard to understand during the pregnancy time. Hypothyroidism, which is a lack of thyroid hormone, can affect a very small number of women but leads to constipation, muscle cramps, and other common problems. Whereas, postpartum thyroiditis can be experienced after the baby is born.
- Iron deficiency – This health issue can be faced because of limited red blood cells, which are responsible for supplying oxygen to the body tissues. Further, it can result in a thinning, uneven heartbeat, headache, and much more. Pregnant women are mostly at risk of getting iron deficiency anemia, especially during multiple pregnancies and morning sickness.
- Hormonal changes: There are women who face hair shredding and even thinning during their pregnancy period, which can be caused by sudden shock or stress. The initial or first trimester can be stressful for the body as it is adjusting to the sudden shift in hormones and supporting the growing baby. This phase or stressful period can put more than 30% of the hair in the resting phase. Also, there are chances that a woman can face around 300 or more hair strands in a day after getting pregnant. The hair loss might not be seen instantly, but the hair thinning can be noticeable after 2-4 months. No wonder this situation does not last long and can be gotten over after 6 months.
- Lack of vitamin B12: According to some research, vitamin B12 can slow down the hair cycle transition, the anagen phase changes to the catagen phase. When a woman is in the anagen phase, the hair remains well-maintained, but due to the decrease in vitamin B12, the body gets into the catagen phase, which results in hair shedding.
- Genes: It is seen that pregnant women can experience hair loss even due to their genes. If the mother of the pregnant woman had faced hair loss problems during her own pregnancy, then there is a possibility that similar experiences can occur. This is all because of genes.
- Reproductive problems: In some cases, women can even face hair loss issues during pregnancy due to a reaction to stopping birth control pills or any other methods of birth control. The situation of stillbirth, abortions, etc., can even lead to hair loss issues.
- Lack of folic acid intake: During the time of pregnancy, it is essential to know that folic acid might not be able to help with hair growth. But there have been instances where women have experienced hair loss because of low folic acid levels.
What can be done to control pregnancy hair fall?
Here are some tips that can be helpful in combating hair fall issues during pregnancy time:
- Timely hair wash: Cleaned hair and scalp is essential for hair growth. This is why it is mandatory to wash your hair after 3-4 days with a mild shampoo and conditioner. This will help maintain your scalp and hair.
- Gentle combing: The use of a wide-tooth comb can be helpful for your hair. It can be helpful in avoiding hair breakage. This is why it is essential to be gentle with your hair while combing it and using any other hair care tool.
- Hair massages: Doing hair massages with hot or mildly warm oil a few times a week can be beneficial for your hair’s health. Also, it will help with hair strengthening and will avoid breakage. This tip is helpful in improving scalp blood circulation.
- Getting the hair trimmed: The changes in the hormones can lead to textural hair changes while a woman is pregnant. This is why it is essential to trim your hair from time to time, which can help in avoiding any hair breakage or split ends.
- No more stress: Stress can make everything worse. It is imperative that you work on your stress levels if you wish to manage your hair loss condition. Indulge in stress management activities or exercises.
- Following a healthy diet: A healthy diet plays a huge role in avoiding hair fall during your time of pregnancy. This is why it is essential to maintain a balanced meal that is full of essential vitamins and minerals. Try having leafy vegetables, lentils, eggs, whole grains, etc. in your meals.
- No harsh hair products or color: The hair colors or hair products have certain chemicals in them that can cause allergic reactions on the scalp. It is better to avoid using harsh hair products or anything that is bad for your hair during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Hair loss can happen to anyone during pregnancy. Working to control it and managing the hair fall is necessary for every pregnant woman. Ensure that you are aware of its reasons and then take precautionary steps with the help of the best gynae in Ludhiana. The above-defined points will help you be aware of why it happens and the right things to do in preventing hair loss during your pregnancy.
