Many women find that their bodies undergo many changes after pregnancy. For example, the body size gets fatter during pregnancy, spots start to grow on the face after pregnancy, and some pregnant women report severe hair loss during pregnancy. Hair loss is a common problem for mothers in the postpartum period. What exactly is the problem of postpartum hair loss? What should I do if I lose a lot of hair during pregnancy?

Table of Content：

• Is it normal for pregnant women to lose their hair?
• What is postpartum hair loss?
• Eight reasons for postpartum hair loss
• How to control hair loss in pregnant
• How to treat postpartum hair loss?

Is it normal for pregnant women to lose their hair?

During pregnancy, a small amount of hair loss is normal. Also, hair loss after childbirth is a normal physiological phenomenon. Studies show that nearly 40 to 50% of pregnant women suffer from hair loss. However, don't worry too much, it is only a temporary phenomenon. 

Due to the large amount of progesterone released during pregnancy, the hair may become drier. This may cause hair to break and break near the roots, mainly during the second trimester. Hair loss during pregnancy may be due to a variety of causes. However, if the resulting loss is unusual, a doctor should be consulted to find out the exact cause of the condition.

What is postpartum hair loss?

Postpartum alopecia is a type of resting hair loss, more accurately referred to as postpartum telogen effuvium (PPTE). Under normal circumstances, the hair follicle growth cycle is asynchronous, so the hair loss is also asynchronous.

How can we tell if we are in hair loss? Use the hair pull test: grab 50 hairs at a time and pull them outward along the root of the hair, if the hair pulled off is greater than 6 hairs it is an abnormal condition.

Symptoms of postpartum hair loss

• Start: Postpartum hair loss usually occurs 2-3 months after delivery.
• Duration: active hair loss that lasts 3-4 months.
• Hair loss performance: postpartum hair loss is characterized by a diffuse decrease in hair density, and the proportion of hair loss is less than 50%, and total baldness does not occur.
• Hair loss sites: The sites of postpartum alopecia are mainly concentrated in the bilateral temporal, forehead and top scalp areas.
• Complications: In severe cases of postpartum alopecia areata, the nails will show Beaufort's line.
• Histopathology: The ends of the lost hair are rod-shaped, there is no increase in fine hair and no reduction in the diameter of the hair shaft.

Eight reasons for postpartum hair loss

There is no need to worry about losing more hair than usual during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations and changes in the body may be responsible for this.

1. Poor nutrition 

We need more nutrition during pregnancy. Iron is in high demand and insufficient intake can lead to hair loss. In addition, deficiencies of protein, vitamins and minerals (such as zinc) in the body can also lead to hair loss. Nausea and vomiting in the early stages of pregnancy may lead to malnutrition and even hair loss.

2. Certain diseases 

For example, gestational diabetes and fungal infections may lead to hair loss. Similarly, certain medications, such as those for high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, may increase the risk of hair loss. If you notice an increase in hair loss while taking medication, consult your doctor.

3. Normal hormonal changes 

Hair changes during pregnancy may also be the result of normal hormonal changes during pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations can stop or interrupt the normal hair growth cycle, resulting in excessive hair loss, which will disappear after a few months.

4. Lack of sleep

Due to the discomfort brought about by pregnancy causes many pregnant women to rest poorly and even brings insomnia. The lack of good sleep is also a major cause of hair loss.

5. Hereditary hair loss 

Hair loss also has a genetic cause, which means that if our parents have the same problem, we are likely to be affected as well. Medications and treatments may help with hair loss that is genetic in nature.

6. Thyroid hormone deficiency 

Hypothyroidism, characterized by a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones in the body, is common among women today. Thyroid hormones are responsible for maintaining basal metabolic rate, digestive system, mental health and even nail and hair growth. A deficiency of this hormone can lead to hair loss.

7. Polycystic ovary syndrome 

PCO is a hormonal imbalance that causes the ovaries to produce excessive amounts of androgens. While most women affected by this condition have increased hair growth, they may also experience hair loss around the scalp area.

8. Scalp skin diseases 

Skin allergies and conditions affecting the scalp may also lead to thinning hair and hair loss.

     
Hair loss is not a medical emergency. However, underlying causes such as nutritional deficiencies or diseases can be harmful. If excessive hair loss is noticed during pregnancy, a doctor should be consulted.

How to control hair loss in pregnant

Postpartum hair loss is a phase that is difficult to completely avoid, but even so we cannot give up on treatment. We can return the hair to its normal metabolic cycle as soon as possible with the right care to avoid more hair problems during the period because of improper care. Both during pregnancy and during breastfeeding women need to pay more attention in their daily life, there are many maternity products on the market, such as maternity clothes, maternity nutrients and so on that make our hearts flutter. At this time, we need to be more
During pregnancy, there are steps we can take to reduce hair loss or make our hair healthier.

- Do not over-comb your hair as it may cause further damage.
- Do not choose overly tight hairstyles such as ponytails, angled eyebrows, braids, hair weaves and curlers. This is because they can pull and strain the hair and cause breakage.
- Do not use straightening treatments or chemical dyes as they can make hair brittle and dry.
- Use a mild shampoo and conditioner.
- Massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation.
- Avoid hair dyes, as the harmful chemicals in dyes can cause excessive hair fall.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables that contain flavonoids and antioxidants, which help protect hair follicles from damage and stimulate hair growth.
- Don't use too much heat to style your hair.

These tips can help reduce hair loss to some extent. Treating hair loss is a long-term process and we need to try to adopt some gentle and harmless means.

How to treat postpartum hair loss?

Treatment of postpartum hair loss is divided into two phases.
Phase 1: During the breastfeeding period, within 6 months after delivery, it is not recommended to use any hair growth products, whether oral or topical.
This is because the chemical components of medicines or cosmetics will be absorbed into the mother's blood through the skin or intestines, and then into the breast milk, which will then be fed to the child through breastfeeding, and the chemical components in the breast milk may bring unpredictable consequences to the baby.
For general postpartum hair loss symptoms, mothers only need to adjust their mindset, do a good job of scalp cleaning, balanced diet, relieve stress, reduce staying up late, and wait patiently for a few months, and the hair loss will heal itself.
Phase 2: Non-breastfeeding period, six months after delivery, still a lot of hair loss, it is recommended to go to the hospital for a face-to-face consultation to find and eliminate the triggers causing hair loss.