Hair growth during pregnancy before and after

Growth, loss, and what to Expect

During pregnancy, a person may notice that their hair becomes thicker, and they may experience additional hair growth. After pregnancy, hair loss may occur due to changes in hormone levels. Hair should return to its previous condition after some time.

This article describes the hair changes a person can expect during and after pregnancy.

It will also offer tips and potential treatment options for postpartum hair loss.

People may notice changes in their hair texture and hair growth during pregnancy.

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause additional hair growth on the head and body.

Some people may notice hair growth in areas where they typically do not have hair, including their face, chest, abdomen, and arms.

The hair may also become thicker. A person may notice that their hair appears thicker approximately 15 weeks into pregnancy. The individual strands of hair do not become thicker, but the increase of estrogen during pregnancy causes the hair to stay in the growing phase of its cycle for longer.

A person’s hair should return to its previous condition within 6 months after delivery.

In other cases, a person’s hair may become thinner or fall out. This can occur due to a decrease in estrogen. The decrease in estrogen may occur as a result of:

• no longer taking an oral contraceptive pill
• a hormonal imbalance
• a pregnancy loss or stillbirth

A person may experience hair loss from the scalp approximately 3 months after giving birth.

Postpartum hair loss — medically known as telogen effluvium — occurs shortly after childbirth due to the body’s changing levels of progesterone and estrogen. Doctors may also refer to postpartum hair loss as excessive hair shedding.

After the birth, the body’s hormone levels drop quickly to return to their prepregnancy levels. This decrease in hormones triggers the hair to revert to its former growth cycle.

Although it can differ from person to person, the hair should grow back entirely in 3–6 months.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), postpartum hair loss is normal and temporary.

It is also important to note that it is not true hair loss. It usually stops within 6 months post-birth, and most people see their hair return to its usual thickness within 1 year, although this could happen sooner.

Those who do not regain fullness within 1 year should talk with a doctor, as excessive hair loss could be due to another health condition, such as hypothyroidism or thyroiditis.

Hair loss due to pregnancy is temporary, and a person does not need to take any steps to treat it. However, the AAD suggests the following tips for postpartum haircare:

• switching to a volumizing shampoo and conditioner
• avoiding shampoos labeled “conditioning shampoo” and conditioners labeled “intensive conditioners”
• applying conditioner to the ends of the hair instead of the scalp
• using a conditioner formulated for thinning or fine hair
• trying a new hairstyle that gives the illusion of a fuller look

Maintaining a healthy diet

Nutrition is an important part of postpartum recovery. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins helps ensure the body is getting the nutrients it needs to function and promote healing.

The Trichological Society recommends the following foods for hair growth:

• fish, including salmon and mackerel
• dark, leafy greens, including spinach, Swiss chard, and broccoli
• legumes, such as kidney beans and lentils
• nuts, such as Brazil nuts, walnuts, pecans, almonds, macadamia nuts, and cashews
• carrots

Taking nutritional supplements

While no specific vitamins are proven to improve or reverse postpartum hair loss, the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests that everyone consider a daily vitamin D supplement, including those pregnant and nursing.

Practicing stress management

Stress can negatively affect a person’s health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), chronic stress can cause hair loss.

A person can reduce their stress levels by:

• exercising regularly
• practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation and yoga
• considering counseling
• practicing deep breathing

Learn more

Learn more about how to manage stress.

Managing stress:

• Why stress happens and how to manage it
• How to treat anxiety naturally

Breathing techniques:

• Useful breathing techniques to consider trying
• How to breathe properly for better health

Exercise during pregnancy:

• Exercise tips for pregnancy
• Which exercises are safe during early pregnancy?

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding changes to a person’s hair and pregnancy.

Does lactation contribute to hair loss?

The Australian Breastfeeding Association notes that there is no relation between nursing and postpartum hair loss.

There are three main stages of hair growth: growth, apoptosis-driven regression, and quiescent state. People also refer to the growth stage as the anagen phase.

According to a 2016 retrospective review, 4 months after giving birth, lactation had an influence on the anagen phase.

However, the authors also note that the total number of people in the research was too small to make an assumption regarding the effect of lactation on the health of a person’s hair.

Is hair loss a sign of pregnancy?

Hair loss is not typically an indication that a person is pregnant.

Although hair loss can occur during pregnancy, it typically results from a decrease in estrogen, which can happen:

• when a person stops taking their oral contraceptive pill
• due to a hormonal imbalance during pregnancy
• if a person has experienced a pregnancy loss or abortion

Signs of pregnancy include:

• missing a period
• missing two or more periods in a row
• slight bleeding
• sore and swollen nipples and breasts
• fatigue
• headaches
• vomiting and nausea
• food cravings or food aversions
• mood swings
• frequent urination

If a person thinks they might be pregnant, they should contact a medical professional.

Some people may notice their hair is thicker and grows more quickly during pregnancy. Shortly after childbirth, however, people may experience postpartum hair loss. This occurs as a result of changing hormone levels.

Postpartum hair loss can occur and is usually temporary. The AAD notes that many people may notice a peak in hair loss 4 months after childbirth.

If a person’s hair does not return to its previous condition after 1 year, they should contact a doctor.

10 Things That Might Surprise You About Being Pregnant (for Parents)

Pregnancy info is everywhere. At your first prenatal visit, your doctor will likely give you armfuls of pamphlets that cover every test and trimester.

Despite all this information, here are 10 common surprises that pregnancy can bring.

1. The Nesting Instinct

Many pregnant women feel the nesting instinct, a powerful urge to prepare their home for the baby by cleaning and decorating.

As your due date draws closer, you may find yourself cleaning cupboards or washing walls — things you never would have imagined doing in your ninth month of pregnancy! This desire to prepare your home can be useful — you'll have fewer to-do items after the birth. But be careful not to overdo it.

2. Problems With Concentration

In the first trimester, tiredness and morning sickness can make many women feel worn out and mentally fuzzy. But even well-rested pregnant women may have trouble concentrating and periods of forgetfulness.

Thinking about the baby plays a role, as do hormonal changes. Everything — including work, bills, and doctor appointments — may seem less important than the baby and the coming birth. Making lists can help you remember dates and appointments.

3. Mood Swings

Premenstrual syndrome and pregnancy are alike in many ways. Your breasts swell and become tender, your hormones go up and down, and you may feel moody. If you have PMS, you're likely to have more severe mood swings during pregnancy. They can make you go from being happy one minute to feeling like crying the next.

Mood swings are very common during pregnancy. They tend to happen more in the first trimester and toward the end of the third trimester.

Many pregnant women have depression during pregnancy. If you have symptoms such as sleep problems, changes in eating habits, and mood swings for longer than 2 weeks, talk to your health care provider.

4. Bra Size

An increase in breast size is one of the first signs of pregnancy. Breast growth in the first trimester is due to higher levels of the hormones

estrogenand progesterone. That growth in the first trimester might not be the end, either — your breasts can continue to grow throughout your pregnancy!

Your bra size also can be affected by your ribcage. When you're pregnant, your lung capacity increases so you can take in extra oxygen, which may lead to a bigger chest size. You may need to replace your bras several times during your pregnancy.

5. Skin Changes

Do your friends say you have that pregnancy glow? It's one of many effects that can come from hormonal changes and your skin stretching.

Pregnant women have increased blood volume to provide extra blood flow to the uterus and  other organs, especially the kidneys. The greater volume brings more blood to the vessels and increases oil gland secretion.

Some women develop brownish or yellowish patches called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy," on their faces. And some will notice a dark line on the midline of the lower abdomen, known as the linea nigra (or linea negra). They can also have hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) of the nipples, external genitalia, and anal region. That's because pregnancy hormones cause the body to make more pigment.

This increased pigment might not be even, so the darkened skin may appear as splotches of color. Chloasma can't be prevented, but wearing sunscreen and avoiding UV light can minimize its effects.

Acne is common during pregnancy because the skin's sebaceous glands make more oil. And moles or freckles that you had before pregnancy may get bigger and darker. Most of these skin changes should go away after you give birth.

Many pregnant women also get heat rash, caused by dampness and sweating. In general, pregnancy can be an itchy time for a woman. Skin stretching over the abdomen may cause itchiness and flaking. Your doctor can recommend creams to soothe dry or itchy skin.

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6. Hair and Nails

Many women have changes in hair texture and growth during pregnancy. Hormones can make your hair grow faster and fall out less. But these hair changes usually aren't permanent. Many women lose some hair in the postpartum period or after they stop breastfeeding.

Some women find that they grow hair in unwanted places, such as on the face or belly or around the nipples. Changes in hair texture can make hair drier or oilier. Some women even find their hair changing color.

Nails, like hair, can change during pregnancy. Extra hormones can make them grow faster and become stronger. Some women, though, find that their nails split and break more easily during pregnancy. Like the changes in hair, nail changes aren't permanent. If your nails split and tear more easily when you're pregnant, keep them trimmed and avoid the chemicals in nail polish and nail polish remover.

7. Shoe Size

Even though you can't fit into any of your pre-pregnancy clothes, you still have your shoes, right? Maybe — but maybe not. Extra fluid in their pregnant bodies mean that many women have swollen feet and need to wear a larger shoe size. Wearing slip-on shoes in a larger size can be more comfortable, especially in the summer months.

8. Joint Mobility

During pregnancy, your body makes the hormone relaxin, which is believed to help prepare the pubic area and the cervix for the birth. Relaxin loosens the ligaments in your body, making you less stable and more at risk for injury. It's easy to overstretch or strain yourself, especially the joints in your pelvis, lower back, and knees. When exercising or lifting objects, go slowly and avoid sudden, jerking movements.

9. Varicose Veins, Hemorrhoids, and Constipation

Varicose veins, usually found in the legs and genital area, happen when blood pools in veins enlarged by pregnancy hormones. Varicose veins often go away after pregnancy. To help prevent them:

• avoid standing or sitting for long periods
• wear loose-fitting clothing
• wear support hose
• raise your feet when you sit

Hemorrhoids — varicose veins in the rectum — are common during pregnancy as well. Your blood volume has increased and your uterus puts pressure on your pelvis. So the veins in your rectum may enlarge into grape-like clusters. Hemorrhoids can be very painful, and can bleed, itch, or sting, especially during or after a bowel movement (BM).

Constipation is another common pregnancy woe. It happens because pregnancy hormones slow the passing of food through the gastrointestinal tract. During the later stages of pregnancy, your uterus may push against your large intestine, making it hard for you to have a BM. And constipation can contribute to hemorrhoids because straining to go may enlarge the veins of the rectum.

The best way to deal with constipation and hemorrhoids is to prevent them. Eating a fiber-rich diet, drinking plenty of liquids daily, and exercising regularly can help keep BMs regular. Stool softeners (not laxatives) may also help. If you do have hemorrhoids, talk to your health care provider about a cream or ointment that can shrink them.

10. Things That Come Out of Your Body During Labor

So you've survived the mood swings and the hemorrhoids, and you think your surprises are over. But the day you give birth will probably hold the biggest surprises of all.

During pregnancy, fluid surrounds your baby in the amniotic sac. This sac breaks (or "ruptures") at the start of or during labor — a moment usually referred to as your water breaking. For most women in labor, contractions start before their water breaks. Sometimes the doctor has to rupture the amniotic sac (if the cervix is already dilated).

How much water can you expect? For a full-term baby, there are about 2 to 3 cups of amniotic fluid. Some women may feel an intense urge to pee that leads to a gush of fluid when their water breaks. Others may only feel a trickling down their leg because the baby's head acts like a stopper to prevent most of the fluid from leaking out.

Amniotic fluid is generally sweet-smelling and pale or colorless. It's replaced by your body every 3 hours, so don't be surprised if you continue to leak fluid, about a cup an hour, until delivery.

Other, unexpected things may come out of your body during labor. Some women have nausea and vomiting. Others have diarrhea before or during labor, and passing gas is also common. During the pushing phase of labor, you may lose control of your bladder or bowels.

A birth plan can help communicate your wishes to your health care providers about how to handle these and other aspects of labor and delivery.

Lots of surprises are in store for you when you're pregnant — but none sweeter than the way you'll feel once your newborn is in your arms!

HAIR AND PREGNANCY, hair loss during pregnancy, hair care

We tell you what changes occur
with hair during pregnancy and after childbirth,
about coloring and care procedures.