40 to 50% of pregnant women experience hair loss during pregnancy. In this article, you will learn about the causes of hair loss in pregnancy and you can treat it with home treatment.
Pregnancy is a sweet and turbulent time. Many changes occur in a pregnant woman’s body. Hair is no exception. A pregnant woman’s hair can become thicker and drier than before or start falling out. She can experience hair loss after giving birth.
Daily hair loss is a natural occurrence. We all lose our hair continuously and at a constant rate. This happens most often when washing and combing. Spontaneous hair loss is unpleasant, but it is even more worrying for a pregnant woman because of her special condition.
Are you familiar with the hair growth cycle? The hair growth cycle is such that at any given time, 90% of the hair grows and the remaining 10% is in the resting phase (Catagen and Telogen phase). After 2 to 3 months of rest, hair falls out and new hair replaces it. During pregnancy, this growth cycle stops at rest and the hair becomes thicker instead of falling out. But sometimes this does not happen and before it thickens, the hair falls out for various reasons.
You can use pills and chemicals when you notice hair loss, but it is best to try natural methods and treatments before doing so. Today we are going to explain more about hair loss in pregnancy. Join Zhinmag until the end of the article to learn about home remedies for hair loss during pregnancy.
Is Hair Loss Normal During Pregnancy?
Slight hair loss during pregnancy is perfectly normal. Studies show that about 40% to 50% of pregnant women suffer from hair loss. But the good news is that this is a temporary situation.
Due to the high secretion of the hormone progesterone during pregnancy, the hair may become drier and break near the roots. This often happens in late pregnancy.
Hair loss during pregnancy has many causes. But if your hair loss is abnormal, you should consult your doctor to determine the exact cause.
Causes of Hair Loss in Pregnancy
Do not worry if your hair loss during pregnancy is more than in the past.The reason for these changes is due to hormonal and physical fluctuations, and usually after the baby is born, everything returns to normal.
Normally, women have beautiful and thick hair during pregnancy due to changes in estrogen hormone levels. Because this hormone prevents hair follicles from falling out. However, this condition is not the same for all pregnant women, as they may lose their hair during pregnancy for various reasons related to health or hormonal imbalance.
Instability of the body’s hormone levels and certain physical changes can cause hair loss during pregnancy. Here are the most important and common causes of hair loss in pregnancy:
Hormonal changes
Changes in hormone levels are one of the main reasons for changes in hair strength and growth. These changes interfere with the natural hair growth cycle and lead to excessive hair loss. Of course, this condition is transient and returns to its original state a few months after delivery.
Increased secretion of progesterone during pregnancy causes dry hair and breakage of hair strands near the roots. To prevent hair dryness, wash your hair once or twice a week with emollient shampoos. A temporary change of shampoo or conditioner may also be helpful.
Hair loss may also be due to vitamin or mineral deficiency in your body, discontinuation of birth control pills or miscarriage. Women experience a lot of hormonal changes during the postpartum cycle.
Major changes in hormones after pregnancy cause discomfort and difficulty sleeping. According to studies, 60% of women experience postpartum insomnia from the 32nd week of pregnancy and up to eight weeks after delivery.
Improper nutrition and lack of nutrients
During pregnancy, the body needs better nutrition. The need for iron also increases during this period. Lack of iron, protein, vitamins and other minerals in the body can cause hair loss.
During pregnancy, your body consumes a lot of nutrients because the fetus needs more energy and nutrients to grow, and your body will properly prioritize the needs of the fetus over your own needs. Follow the four-hour nutrition rule to help keep your hair healthy.
This means that if there is more than four hours between your meals, eat complex carbohydrates such as fruit, whole grains and whole grains as a snack. Of course, always make sure to consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet.
Nausea and vomiting in the first trimester may lead to poor nutrition. Because you may vomit in the first trimester of pregnancy, you lose most of the nutrients you receive, and a lack of nutritious foods such as iron, protein, minerals, and vitamins often causes hair loss during pregnancy.
Remember that excessive intake of vitamins such as retinol may also be one of the most important causes of hair loss.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to a lack of iron in the diet or the body does not absorb iron. Despite the prevalence of this disease, most people who suffer from iron deficiency or mild anemia usually do not notice the symptoms until the disease has worsened.
Adolescent girls and women of childbearing age are more prone to iron deficiency anemia than men due to menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Research has shown that almost half of women become pregnant with insufficient iron stores, which can cause serious problems for both mother and fetus.
This condition can cause hair loss along with other symptoms such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath and headache.
Pregnant women are more at risk for anemia and iron deficiency, especially if they have close pregnancies, multiple pregnancies, or severe morning sickness. Iron deficiency can be easily diagnosed with a blood test.
special diseases
In some cases, pregnant women develop diseases such as gestational diabetes or, in some rare cases, fungal infections that can lead to hair loss. Some medications used to treat high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety also increase the rate of hair loss. Consult your doctor if you notice an increase in hair loss while taking the medicine.
Genetics
Hair loss is often accompanied by a genetic predisposition. If your mother has this condition during pregnancy, you may also have this problem.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormone, which is responsible for regulating metabolism, mental health, digestive processes, and even the health and growth of hair and nails, may be the reason for your hair loss.
Polycystic ovary syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is caused by a hormonal imbalance, causes the male hormones to be over-released in women, leads to excessive excess hair hair growth in women and hair loss.
Contraceptive methods or pregnancy control
Discontinuation of birth control pills or other contraceptive methods often leads to excessive hair loss. You may also experience hair loss as a result of abortion, miscarriage or stillbirth.
Scalp diseases
Many women may experience skin allergies that affect their scalp. This in turn leads to thinning hair and even hair loss.
If you have severe hair loss during pregnancy, you should consult a gynecologist. But if your hair loss is not severe, improve your diet and lifestyle.
How to control hair loss during pregnancy?
You are not the only one who suffers from hair loss during pregnancy. Look for available and effective preventative measures and treatments instead of worrying. There are many ways you can take care of your hair during and after pregnancy. Hair loss is a natural occurrence and it is normal to experience increased hair loss during and after pregnancy.
recommendations
Protect your scalp from direct sunlight and heat.
Direct sunlight and heat cause dry hair roots and scalp, followed by hair loss. Avoid direct sun exposure. You can use a hat or a sun visor.
Have a complete and healthy diet.
Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits, especially those that are high in water and fiber. Your diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables, containing flavonoids and antioxidants that protect hair follicles and promote hair growth. Get a blood test to see if your thyroid hormone levels are normal. Get help from your doctor to ensure proper hormone balance. So:
- Do not use combs that have fine teeth
- Avoid combing your hair frequently
- Trim your hair at regular intervals to eliminate frizz that causes hair loss.
- Avoid braiding and using tight hair extensions.
- Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica.
Do not use a hair straightener
Try to keep your hair natural, not damage it by straightening and blow-drying. If you need to use a hair dryer and hair straightener, use lower grades.
Meditate
Stress is one of the main causes of hair loss during pregnancy. It is normal for a pregnant woman to experience stress and anxiety about childbirth and any possible unpleasant situations, but you should try to control your stress during this period.
Focus on the good and the bad and do whatever it takes to make you happy. Breathe, relax, and try meditation to relieve anxiety and stress.
Do not use chemical products
You may find a variety of hair care products on the market that claim to solve all the problems related to hair loss, but it is better not to use them during pregnancy. These cosmetics are not safe for pregnant women because they may contain harmful chemicals.
Use the following supplements
Note that the use of these supplements should be under the supervision of a physician, avoid taking them arbitrarily, as unintentional use and uncontrolled doses of these supplements during pregnancy may be dangerous for the health of you and your fetus.
- Vitamin B complex
- Vitamin C
- Biotin (Vitamin B7)
- Vitamin E
- Zinc
In addition to preventing hair loss care, there are a variety of home remedies to treat this problem in pregnant women that you can also try. Here are some effective home remedies for hair loss during pregnancy.
Home Remedies
Hair loss can be caused by skin infections or allergic reactions on the scalp. In many cases, natural products are safe for all skin types and even for sensitive skin.
It is better to use natural and organic products for your hair to prevent such allergies and infections. It is true that natural substances are much less dangerous than chemicals, but use them with caution, because your body may be sensitive to them. Some of these organic and natural products are:
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Jasmine
Jasmine is a medicinal plant that is effective against hair loss caused by skin infections. This substance has antibacterial properties that prevent the growth of bacteria. You can make a paste of fresh leaves of this plant and apply it on your scalp.
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Indian gooseberries
Indian gooseberry, also known as amla, is the best natural remedy for hair loss. You can take Amla powder orally or massage its oil on your scalp. This substance helps strengthen hair and prevents hair loss.
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Fresh coconut milk
Make half a cup of fresh coconut milk and apply it to your scalp with your fingertips. Leave on for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb and then wash your head with herbal shampoo. That helps nourish the scalp.
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Lemon juice and egg mixture
Prepare the mixture by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice to a beaten egg. Apply this mixture on your scalp, let it stay on your scalp for about 30 minutes and then wash off. This treatment helps prevent hair loss and makes your hair look silky, shiny and thick.
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Eggs, yogurt and olive oil
A mixture of eggs, yogurt and olive oil can also affect the health, strength and shine of your hair. By mixing equal amounts of these three ingredients, prepare a paste and apply it on your scalp once a week.
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Aloe vera gel
Aloe vera extract is useful for most skin disorders. Aloe vera gel, when applied to the scalp, can treat Hair loss in pregnancy due to dryness and scalp infections.
Postpartum hair loss
Many women experience hair loss even a few months after giving birth. This condition peaks about four months after delivery. In fact, this type of hair loss is not what we normally know it to be, but “excessive hair loss” is due to a drop in estrogen. The experience of losing three hundred or more hairs in one day may be scary, but it usually goes away without treatment.
Although hair loss is not permanent in pregnancy, your hair may not return to its normal thickness until hormone or vitamin levels return to normal.
Finally, if you are one of those pregnant women who are worried about thinning and losing your thick and shiny hair, your discomfort is normal. But do not worry because this is a cross-sectional situation.
Was this article helpful to you? Have you experienced hair loss during pregnancy? Share your experiences with us in the comments section.
