Hair Loss During Pregnancy, What To Do? – Being Parents

Among the wide variety of changes that a woman’s body experiences during this sweet wait, it is possible that hair loss during pregnancy will arise. Let’s see how to face this problem and continue to stay radiant at this stage.

In their desire to pay attention to all aspects of their life in a perfect way, future mothers do not neglect their appearance during the gestation period. For a woman, hair is like a business card. They then invest a lot of time and money to keep them healthy.

Loss of hair volume will therefore never be welcome. This is why, it is necessary to be attentive and preventive vis-a-vis the actions to be taken if hair loss during pregnancy occurs.

Possible causes of hair loss during pregnancy

Often, the reasons for hair loss during pregnancy are related to hormonal changes peculiar to this period. Poor immune defenses due to low consumption of essential nutrients can also be an additional cause.

It is important to remember that the needs of the fetus in this regard are substantial. Indeed, the mother-to-be must consume sufficient quantities to meet the developmental needs of the baby and her own body.

In this sense,  the discomforts of the first month of gestation, such as vomiting and nausea, can cause a lack of appetite in the mother. Hence, lower the levels of the vitamins it consumes. This can therefore trigger, among other things, hair loss.

The most common is that hair loss occurs during the postpartum period. At this time, the body restores normal hormone levels and these changes can be the cause.

Besides, the increase in progesterone levels also leads to dryness of the hair. They are therefore more likely to break.

The last period of pregnancy is when this phenomenon is most common. It may be that the fall takes place at the root level and gives the impression that the hair is falling out when the reality is quite different.

Hair loss during pregnancy is uncommon. However, this is not a reason to worry the mother if it is not excessive. In any case, it is advisable to consult a doctor to take the necessary measures.

Treatments to prevent hair loss during pregnancy

First of all, you need to have patience with your own hair. Indeed, it is a good idea to brush the hair delicately with a brush that does not have fine peaks. In addition, avoid straining the hair when it is wet.

If the hair weakness is considerable, it is important to make a good selection of shampoo and conditioner. The most recommended are those which have a neutral pH in the case of normal hair.

By the way, it is also desirable to follow these tips:

• Apply nourishing masks with restorative effects if the hair is extremely dry.
• If the character of the hair is rather oily, then it is better to use mild shampoos for daily use.
• Washing should be done with lukewarm water and gentle massages on the scalp with fingertips.

• Avoid the use of hot devices such as straighteners or hair dryers. You can use them from time to time at low temperature to speed up the natural drying of the hair.
• Reduce hairstyles such as tight updos, tails or braids.
• In cases where it is decided to resort to anti-hair loss treatments, the most appropriate is to consult a gynecologist for indications.

Indeed, some components of these treatments  may not be recommended during pregnancy. For this reason, we stress the importance of consulting a doctor before making this decision.

What are the foods that help strengthen the hair?

One of the first steps to having healthy hair before, during and after pregnancy is to pay attention to your diet. High consumption of fruits and vegetables will help strengthen hair and promote growth in addition to protecting the hair follicle.

Likewise, brewer’s yeast is great for improving hair health and preventing hair  loss because it contains a high content of vitamin B. You can incorporate it into dehydrated vegetables, soups and pasta.

“Often the reasons for hair loss during pregnancy are related to hormonal changes specific to this period”

The consumption of green vegetables such as spinach, watercress, lettuce or broccoli also provides significant amounts of vitamin A and C. These cause the secretion of sebaceous substances which promote the natural hydration of the hair.

Besides, carrots contain beta-carotene which is responsible for giving them that wonderful orange color. Beta-carotene also helps in the production of oils that strengthen the scalp.

Legumes such as chickpeas, beans and other grains also contribute zinc, iron and biotin. These nutrients prevent hair loss, strengthen hair growths and follicles.

Finally, the consumption of Omega 3 present in fish such as sardines and tuna contributes to the softness and shine of the hair. Additionally, this nutrient helps strengthen hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.