Hair Loss after Pregnancy

After childbirth, there are usually very low levels of estrogen in the woman's body, and this can be one major cause of hair loss. Pregnant women have a raised level of progesterone. Giving birth to a child may cause hair loss temporarily because of hormonal changes in a woman's body and estrogen. Hair loss in particular is very common and during pregnancy and should not cause undue concern. The most common period of hair loss related to pregnancy occurs approximately three months after delivery.

Usually, hair loss occurs between three and six months after pregnancy. One more reason why hair loss is associated with pregnancy is that many women take oral contraceptives for some time until they wish to become pregnant, and after that discontinue the birth control. Because many women would discontinue taking oral contraceptives just before their pregnancy and they think this is the cause of hair loss, when this happhhens due to discontinuing birth control.

During pregnancy, an increased percentage of scalp hairs go into the resting phase that is part of the normal growth-loss cycle of scalp hair. After pregnancy, these hairs begin to fall out and thin. However, this condition does not cause permanent hair loss or obvious bald patches. Telogen effluvium resolves slowly beginning six to 12 weeks postpartum. There is no medical treatment available.

Stress is also the cause of hair loss that begins with the arrival of a baby could certainly aggravate an already disturbed hormonal system, causing an even greater amount of after pregnancy hair loss. Beginning with breast feeding can extensively deplete the woman's nutriional reserves, thereby leading to the probability of even greater hair loss after pregnancy.

There are a number of things that you can do to have a healthier head of hair and/or reduce the extent of some of the hair loss during pregnancy or after delivery:

Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, which contain flavonoids, many of which are antioxidants that may provide protection for the hair follicles and encourage hair growth. Try to eat fish, chicken, nuts and any other foods that contain plenty of proteins.
Use shampoos and conditioners that contain biotin and silica.
Consult with your physician to ensure a proper balance of hormones.
Avoid pigtail, hair weaves, braids and tight hair rollers which can pull and stress your hair.

If you need to use blow dryers and other heated hair instruments, try to use the cooler, lower settings.