Do Women Lose Their Hair During or After Pregnancy?

The most common type of hair loss associated with pregnancy occurs one to six months following childbirth.  This occurs because of an increased amount of estrogen in the body.  An increased number of hairs enter the resting phase, disturbing the normal hair growth and loss process and causing more hair than usual to fall out in the months that follow pregnancy.  Typically, pregnant women enjoy a full head of hair, and do not lose hair until gestation has been completed.  The problem of hair loss following pregnancy remedies itself, and normal, healthy hair growth should resume within several months. 

If you are experiencing hair loss during pregnancy, it could be a sign that you aren’t getting enough minerals or vitamins.  It is best to get the problem checked out by your doctor to ensure it is nothing serious and to ensure you are receiving the proper nutrients for you and your baby.

Hair loss is also not uncommon in women who have had miscarriages and abortions.  These are all things that affect estrogen hormone levels, which is what affects the hair growth and loss cycle. 

A few things can be done to decrease the chances of hair loss during and after pregnancy.  They include avoiding pigtails, braids, and tight rollers, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables containing flavonoids, using shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica, avoiding very hot blow dryers, and taking vitamin B complex, zinc, vitamin E, Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, and biotin supplements.