Pregnancy Hair Loss - Managing Alopecia Pre And Post Childbirth

Pregnancy is not only an emotional but also a physical journey that often test the psychological wellbeing of women. Changes in hormones affects almost every function of the body, from internal to external aspects including hair, skin and nails. Some of the changes like pregnancy hair loss or alopecia are highly unsightly but fortunately temporary in nature.

However, these changes can and do cause undue worry to expectant mothers despite the fact that they are very common effects of pregnancy. While it should be noted that postpartum/post pregnancy hair loss is the most common scenario, an expectant mother should be aware of early pregnancy hair loss as well as postpartum hair loss and work closely with your gynecologist to manage the process.

Early Pregnancy Hair Loss

Most women do not experience this scenario but if you happen to be one who does, there might be vitamin or mineral deficiency in your system and you should be seeking the advice of your gynecologist. Hair loss has direct correlation to the imbalances of hormones and estrogen levels. And to complicate matters, if you have been trying to get pregnant and stopped taking birth control pills abruptly, alopecia can arise. And when you finally realised you are successfully impregnated, you start are experience alopecia and is led to associate it with your pregnancy. Alopecia due to hormonal changes like in thyroid disorder in pregnancy can happen during the process and your doctor should be able to help treat the condition.

Postpartum hair loss on the other hand, is a normal and temporary scenario that is not related to breastfeeding. Generally speaking, most expectant mothers do not usually experience much alopeica during pregnancy until after three months from childbirth when the full impact of post pregnancy hair loss is more often felt. This is the time when your hormones have normalized to original levels and the hair that was supposed to have fallen off during pregnancy due to low estrogen levels did not.

The time frame between childbirth and the start of shedding correlates to the length of the resting phase of your hair growth which is an average of 3 months, and ranges from 1 to 6 months. You might find the alopecia is more intense especially when your hair grew much faster during pregnancy. You can expect to return to your usual cycle within six months after birth.

While your post pregnancy hair loss is temporary, it could deteriorate over a period of as long as half a year or longer after childbirth before they grow back again. Keep your cool and manage the process nonchalantly. Comb it lightly and gently, and try not to blow dry it or use curlers. Do not tied up your hair as this will stretch and pull at the roots, weakening the already weak follicles and this includes avoiding weaves, braids and pig tails. Have a well nourished and balanced diet as well as get sufficient exercise and rest. Check with your doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from post pregnancy hormonal imbalance and his or her recommendation on the right type of shampoos too.


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Hair Falling Out - A 10 Point Analysis Sheet

Hair falling out may or may not be symptomatic of a serious illness. Certain events in our lives can trigger hair loss but the body can recover and after a few months normal hair growth is resumed.

Here are a number of factors you need to consider:

1. Growth Cycles

As hair is going through various growth cycles, 2 or 3 months may elapse from the time hair stops growing to the time it actually falls out.

So if you are experiencing hair falling out check back on the calendar 8 to 12 weeks and see if you were faced with a sudden shock, or an accident, or a medical procedure which may have precipitated the hair loss.

2. Hair Loss In Women

Women can expect hair to fall out after childbirth and women experiencing the menopause may also be faced with hair falling out. These conditions are rectified as time passes although in the case of post-menopausal women, the hair may not regrow completely but at least the hair loss will probably stop.

3. The Heredity Factor

Heredity is the main cause of hair loss in men and women. In men it manifests itself often in what is termed male pattern baldness.

While there is little anyone can do to actually stop this process if genetic factors are involved, living a healthy lifestyle including proper attention to diet, exercise, and nutrition, can help stave off to some degree the speed and degree of hair loss in many individuals.

4. Propecia A Lifelong Commitment

Alarmed by hair falling out, some persons desperately seek a quick remedy. Propecia for men offers a quick remedy (effective after some months) but users should be aware that this prescription drug requires a lifelong commitment and it does not work for everyone.

The expense involved can be considerable given the fact that it needs to be used continuously. Once the medication is stopped, the hair that has regrown can be lost.

Added to that, the long term effects of this drug are not yet known.

5. Rogaine - Works For Some

Rogaine is a popular over the counter hair loss medication for men and women which contains minoxidil, a drug originally used for high blood pressure. Again it requires continuous use and results vary from person to person.

In the original clinical tests, about 55% of the men who had hair falling out saw positive results. Women have to be careful and use the 2% version as the 5% form of Rogaine can result in an increase in facial hair, a side effect many women find unacceptable.

6. Avoid Hair Shampoos That Damage

If your hair is falling out avoid making the problem worse by rough handling of your hair. Hair shampoos that claim to add body and volume to hair may be alkaline based in which case they can actually damage the hair.

As the outside of the hair is covered with what look like scales, a balanced shampoo with a pH factor between 4.5 to 5.5 will smooth the scales so the hair looks shiny and feels smooth. An alkaline based shampoo on the other hand will rough up the scales to make the hair stand up more. This can weaken the outer coating of the hair which in time can lead to it breaking off.

7. The Vitamins You Need

Make sure you are taking in Vitamins A, C, B complex, and E as well as the mineral zinc. These are key vitamins in the production of healthy hair. By eating a variety of dairy products, vegetables and fruit, cereals, grains and pulses, most of our vitamin needs can be met.

However, especially in the case of vitamins C and E, it may be the body is not getting enough from a normal diet. Supplements can be helpful although these should be used under proper medical supervision after consulting with your doctor if you are using other medications or have a specific health problem.

8. Exercise And The Hair Follicle

Pay attention to regular exercise. Walking is an excellent form of exercise which is easy to do and does not put an undue strain on the body.

Exercise contributes to a healthy circulatory system which delivers blood to the scalp so the blood vessels that feed the hair follicles have the proteins, nutrients and oxygen they need.

9. Stop Smoking

If you use tobacco seriously consider stopping. Evidence indicates smoking can negatively impact the circulatory system as well as reduce the oxygen carrying potential of the blood. The scalp and hair follicles suffer as do other parts of the body.

10. Educate Yourself

Finally, if you are concerned about hair falling out, educate yourself thoroughly and find out lifestyle factors that can affect your hair growth.

I personally have a copy of Jonathon E. Phillips' informative ebook "Hair Loss No More." In addition to providing much background information about hair and hair loss, this book contains a Step-By-Step Hair Power Regimen which ties together important strategies involving diet, nutrition, exercise and deep breathing. (See resource box below for details)

Hair falling out can result in anxiety and stress. Stress in turn can affect the body negatively so even more hair loss may result. Break this vicious circle by analyzing your own characteristics and develop a plan to combat hair loss.

Mike Jones is a writer and webmaster with over 10 years experience. His recommendations:


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