10 Common Reasons For Increased Hair Growth During Pregnancy

A change in hair growth and texture is very common during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones affect every woman differently. Here are some of the common reasons for increased hair growth during pregnancy.

Reasons Behind Hair Growth During Pregnancy:

1. Normally 90 to 95% of hair is in the growing phase while the other 5 to 10% are in resting stage. 90% of the hair grows at a rate of half an inch per month. After the resting period, the hair in the resting phase falls out and is replaced by new hair follicles. On an average, women lose around 100 strands every day.

2. Women start experiencing pregnancy induced hair growth in the first trimester when the levels of androgen in their body increases. Hair usually feels fuller and thicker than before because of relatively no hair fall during this period. During pregnancy, the increase in hormones causes the hair to stay in the resting phase longer. It thus results in the appearance of lustrous hair.

3. Consumption of vitamin supplements during pregnancy also leads to faster hair growth in women. Progesterone, a hormone found in pregnant women makes the latent hair follicles alive. It prolongs the hair growth phase, resulting in less hair fall and thicker tresses. Rapid hair growth pattern continues throughout the pregnancy. It returns to its normal growth pattern after six months of childbirth. Hair not only feels thicker but also looks shinier than before.

4. A woman tends to eat larger meals during pregnancy. Sleep combats cortisol which helps to reduce the levels of stress in the body. This helps the hair to grow at a faster pace.
5. Rapid growth of hair on arms, legs and other parts can be a nuisance during pregnancy. The excess production of androgen causes bouts of excessive hair growth on other parts of the body as well. Some women experience hair growth in unwanted places like face, nipples and even around the belly.

6. Avoid using hair removal products like bleach, creams and depilatories, which can get absorbed into the bloodstream. Permanent hair removal techniques like laser and electrolysis should also be avoided during pregnancy. In most cases, the unwanted hair would come off after childbirth.

7. Change in hair texture is also very common during pregnancy. For example, wavy hair may turn straight and vice versa. The hair may even become very dry or very oily. Some women may also experience a change in their hair color.

8. Some pregnant women also experience severe hair shedding during pregnancy. It may be due to iron, protein or iodine deficiencies. This may also cause the hair to become dry, brittle and lighter in color than normal.

9. Most of the women lose a significant amount of hair in the postpartum period or after they stop breastfeeding. This is because the hormones are returning to normal levels and the rest cycle also goes back to its previous pattern. It results in more hair shedding. It may take a couple of growth cycles before the hair returns to normal. The body hair also disappears within 6 months after childbirth.

10. Please note that not all pregnant women notice changes in the texture and thickness of their hair. Among those who do, the changes tend to be more obvious in women with longer hair.