As every mum, and indeed every pregnancy is unique, you might find yourself more or less affected by changes to your hair than other women, but here are a few facts about what you might expect to happen before and after the birth of your baby.
MYTH: All women have thicker, shinier hair during pregnancy.
FACT: Whilst it is more common for mums-to-be to nurture luscious locks while pregnant, with hair seeming fuller and healthier looking, it can be the case that you don’t notice any difference, or even that your hair feels thinner or breaks more easily. In this case you should speak to your midwife as it may be that you are experiencing a vitamin deficiency.
MYTH: Hair that falls out after giving birth won’t grow back.
FACT: Your hair might appear thicker during pregnancy as the hormone changes in your body interfere with your usual hair cycle, whereby you naturally shed hair to make way for new strands. The hair that would normally fall out regularly stays attached to your head, making it fuller. After hormone levels start to return to normal after birth, the ‘extra’ hair starts to fall out, sometimes at an alarming rate, but this is only temporary and your hair growth will return to normal after a few months.
MYTH: You just have to put up with pregnancy hair loss.
FACT: You can minimise the rate of hair loss and damage to your remaining hair by taking extra care of your locks in the first few postnatal months. Avoid too much heat exposure from blow dryers and straightening irons and take it easy when styling hair so as not to lose more from enthusiastic brushing or tying up too tightly. Use a good conditioner to give your hair some intensive care and try to minimise chemical treatments like permanent colouring. Eating a healthy diet rich in fruit and vegetables will help keep your hair, and your whole body, in better condition.
Speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP if you are at all concerned about prolonged hair loss as there may be an underlying cause
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