HAIR LOSS DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY
Hair loss after pregnancy is just as common as hair loss during pregnancy.
At both times, hair loss is typically caused by surges of hormones, also the
body's focus on the pregnancy above all else. Hair loss may not be what most
women expect, but it’s really nothing to be embarrassed about, either.
If you are experiencing pregnancy related hair loss, just talk to other women
who have had one or more pregnancies and you will find out that you are not
alone.
Pregnancy-related hair loss most often occurs several months after delivery.
During pregnancy, an increased percentage of hairs are in a growing phase and
normal shedding of hair declines. After a woman gives birth, a large number
of follicles shed hair at once. Although unsettling, this hair loss is temporary.
Hair typically returns to its normal fullness and growth cycle within a few
months.
Because the hair loss during and after pregnancy is usually related to hormone
imbalances, so the hair loss is very temporary. In fact, you may experience
significant hair loss one trimester and then the next trimester your hair grows
really fast and is suddenly very thick. Pregnancy does crazy things with hormones,
and you just never really know what is going to happen! Just take it all in
stride, and realize that losing some hair is well worth it to bring a child,
your child, into the world.
Just because hair loss is somewhat usual during pregnancy, it doesn’t
mean you shouldn’t mention it to your doctor. There really is not too
much information you can give your doctor during pregnancy, so if you notice
that you are consistently experiencing hair loss after pregnancy or any time
during, let your doctor know at your next visit. Your doctor can quickly eliminate
any other reasons, just to be safe. If you’ve had continuous care during
your pregnancy, your doctor will usually notice, and even if he or she doesn’t,
they’ll be able to assure you that you are just fine.
If you are looking for ways to cover up hair loss you might want to think about
cutting your hair if you are wearing it really long. The thinning of your hair
might be more noticeable if you have long hair, so trim it and maybe ask your
hair stylist to put a few chunky layers in to add volume. Also try covering
up hair loss by putting your hair up into a ponytail or other hair accessories.
Headbands often do a great job of covering up hair loss that is obvious on the
scalp. Play with all of these things, or just ignore the hair loss, as it’s
usually very temporary! If the hair loss makes you extremely uncomfortable,
you can always look into wigs or temporary pieces, although that usually is
not necessary for this type of hair loss.
Take it all in stride, and remember that just about anything is worth bringing
your healthy child into the world. Whatever uncomfortable your hair loss may
make you, in a few months your hair and your life will be completely different!
You will be so busy with your new bundle of joy, you might not even notice that
your hair has grown back and that it has become even thicker.
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