Hormone Fluctuation - Some women may experience hair loss or thinning hair during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is during this time that there is a massive fluctuation of hormones (900% increase in progesterone, 400% increase in estrone , 800% increase in estradiol , and 900% increase in estriol levels)all of them involved in the hair growth cycle.. Following removal of the placenta at birth, the levels of progesterone and estrogen will return to normal within 2–4 days.

Hair Cycle- The anagen (growth) phase actually increases during pregnancy and the telogen (rest) rate rises after delivery. This means that during pregnancy, an increased number of hair follicles remain in the anagen phase for a longer period, resulting from naturally occurring hormonal changes in this connection. Within 3–6 months of delivery, these hairs simultaneously return to the telogen phase as the result of a sudden drop in hormone levels. This results in excessive shedding of the hair known as postpartum effluvium.

- Pregnancy-Related Health Problems– There are some pregnancy-related health issues that may contribute to thinning hair such as anemia and thyroid problems.

- Autoimmune Disorders– Women who suffer from an autoimmune disorder may find that the condition is aggravated by pregnancy and contribute to hair loss.

Anxiety or Stress– Some pregnant women suffer from higher levels of anxiety and stress. Maternal levels of cortisol peak at a 300% increase during the third trimester in comparison with non-pregnant levels, remaining higher in the postpartum period. When cortisol is present in high levels, it has been shown to reduce the synthesis and accelerate the breakdown of the skin components causing hair thinning or hair loss.

- Hair Damage– Hair can be more prone to damage during pregnancy. If you wear your hair in a ponytail or use heat for hairstyling, you may have a problem with hair loss.

If you are pregnant and suffer from hair loss or thinning hair, you will want to speak with your doctor about it. Your healthcare professional should evaluate you to ensure that your hair loss problem isn’t health-related.

Treatment for hair loss during pregnancy is typically not necessary, as the condition tends to correct itself after delivery. Many factors in the peripartum period can cause ongoing stress to the body, sleep deprivation, chronic emotional stress, as well as general stressors in connection with becoming a new parent. The development of telogen effluvium in this instance will not improve until the underlying cause is identified and resolved.

If your hair does not grow back, there are options that you can discuss with your doctor.

Most women would prefer to completely avoid hair loss during pregnancy. Fortunately, there are steps women can take to help reduce the likelihood that you will suffer from thinning hair after your pregnancy.

• Eat Healthy– Most women do their best to eat healthy foods while pregnant for the good of their babies. Overly restrictive diets should be avoided in the permpartum and postpartum period, because it can worsen the postpartum telogen efluvium. Rich iron diets can help to improve the hair loss.
  
  
• Get Plenty of Rest– Stress can contribute to hair loss so it is important to get plenty of rest.
  
  
• Use a Gentle Shampoo– Harsh shampoos can contribute to hair loss. Use a shampoo that is gentle on your hair. You will also want to be gentle while shampooing your hair. (See Radia or Nia from DS Laboratories)
  
  
• Avoid Tight Hairstyles– Ponytails, buns, or any other type of hairstyle that pulls your hair, may also contribute to hair loss.
  
  
• Avoid Heat Styling Aids– Hairdryers, curling irons, and hot curlers damage hair, especially over time. It is best not to use these types of styling aids while pregnant as heat can make your hair loss problems during pregnancy, worse.
  
  
• Wide-Toothed Comb– It is important to use only a wide-toothed comb so that you can avoid pulling out your hair. This is especially true when combing wet hair.
  
  
• Products to Help Avoid Hair Loss During Pregnancy: See our top recommendations for products that can help during and post pregnancy to avoid hair loss and thinning hair.