How to Take Care of Hair Loss in Pregnancy?

Common Causes of Hair Fall in Pregnancy

Losing hair is a natural process for both men and women, and an average of 50 to 100 follicles are lost per day. However, during pregnancy, it can occur more frequently, although women are not always affected. Here are the main reasons:

Hormonal Imbalance

It sometimes happens that your hair may begin to fall out and thin due to stress or shock. We call this condition “telogen effluvium.” A small number of women experience this type of hair loss during pregnancy.

But the primary reason for hair fall during pregnancy during the first trimester is a hormonal imbalance to support the baby growing within. What happens here is that the stress puts your hair follicles into a state of rest. So, if you normally lose 100 hairs a day, you now might lose 300.

This process may not occur immediately, but as we mentioned above, fortunately, the hair loss is not permanent.

Health Issues

When you are pregnant, you may experience a variety of health issues. The imbalance in hormones and vitamins can play havoc with your body. The following health issues can also result in dramatic hair loss:

Thyroid-Related Issues

Even if you have no previous history, you can develop hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Out of the two, hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone deficiency) is more likely to occur, and the typical fallout of this condition is excessive hair loss.

Iron deficiency

The primary cause of iron deficiency is a shortage of blood cells. However, hair loss can also occur with other symptoms like fatigue, breathlessness, irregular heartbeat, and headache. Iron deficiency can be rectified with iron supplements.

Other Causes

Genetic factors and autoimmune conditions, or other underlying health issues can cause hair loss that may or may not be due to pregnancy. Extreme trauma can also cause hair loss. Here again, pregnancy can cause traumatic conditions to the body

Hair fall during pregnancy can occur due to conditions unrelated to pregnancy, like the reasons we mentioned above. If you experience alopecia during pregnancy, you first need to identify the reason. Even if it is temporary, there are a few remedies you can try.

How to Measure Hair Loss

The first step in addressing a hair loss issue would be to measure the extent of hair loss. You can then decide whether remedial action is required and how to proceed.

Blood Tests

Physical tests

A scalp biopsy is performed wherein a small section of the scalp is cut and microscopically examined.

A doctor will conduct a “Hair pull” by tugging gently at about 100 strands of hair at a time to count the strands that come loose. You will be considered to have excessive hair loss if more than three strands come out with each tug.

The doctor may also use a handheld device called a “densitometer” to measure your hair condition. The process is called "densitometry," wherein the miniaturization of the hair shafts is examined.

Scales for Measuring Hair Loss

The two scales for measuring hair loss are the Ludwig Scale and the Savin Scale.

Hair Loss Measured on the Ludwig Scale

Hair Loss Measured on the Savin Scale

Post-partum Hair Loss

Pregnancy-related hair loss commonly occurs in the post-partum stage. We discussed the various aspects of hair fall during pregnancy. But after having a baby, hair loss is quite common and temporary.

You can expect to experience a certain degree of hair loss after having your baby. It may occur about three months after delivery. The most likely cause of hair loss would be vitamin or mineral deficiency. That is why you will be advised to follow a balanced diet.

At this stage, up to 60% of your growing hair may enter into a period of rest (telogen resting state). This hair loss may peak at three to four months after delivery. Your hair may start to revive itself within six to twelve months

How to Deal with Hair Loss in Pregnancy

Follow a healthy and balanced diet fortified with sufficient protein, minerals, and iron. It will go a long way to combat hair loss. Please consult your treating doctor(obstretician or dermatologist) for further guidance..

There are also physical factors that you should consider, like the way you style your hair (avoid tight braids, ponytails, or buns). You should also steer clear of frequent washing and brushing. Instead, be gentle on your hair while brushing it and use a wide-toothed comb.

Last but not least, do not use hot rollers, curling irons, hair straighteners, and other similar devices for some time before and after having your baby.