Do you think your hair has grown thicker and fuller when you have become pregnant? However, the reality is not that. You are not actually growing more hair but losing it at a slower rate than normal. Under normal circumstances, eighty-five to ninety percent of hair actually grows regularly, and the remaining five to fifteen percent maintains a resting stage. After the resting stage, the hair falls out naturally (at the time of shampooing or brushing) and gets replaced by newer growth. On average, a woman sheds nearly 100 strands in a day. Some of the peculiar hair changes during pregnancy are as follows:


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Hair Care During Pregnancy:

1. Appearance of Thicker Tresses:

When you are pregnant, the estrogen level becomes higher, prolonging the growth phase of the strands. Thus, it results in thicker stresses and less shedding of locks.

See More: Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes During Pregnancy

2. Shinier Hair:

In some women, the hair also becomes shinier. Sometimes the hair changes the texture as well. If you have curly hair, it might become straight. If you have dry hair, it will become less brittle and more nurtured. You will be surprised to find a natural gloss. If you have straight hair, there will be an appearance of curls. In some women, the hair becomes darker or lighter as well.

3. Increased Growth of Body And Facial Hair:

Just like the attractive locks on the head, the hair on the body and face also grow faster. This happens because of increased levels of hormone androgen. However, these hairs can be safely shaved, waxed or tweezed. However, you should avoid using chemicals like depilatories or bleaches that get absorbed into the blood. You do not need to panic with the increased growth of facial or body hair. After childbirth, the growth will be back to normal.

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Taking Care of Hair After The Childbirth:

However, after the child’s birth, the hair does not remain as luxurious as that during the time of pregnancy. The growth cycle returns to its normal pattern within three to six months, and it can be clearly observed in women with longer strands. However, not every woman undergoes these dramatic hair changes at the time of pregnancy.

After childbirth, when the estrogen level drops dramatically, you can observe an increased rate of hair loss. So, to prevent such rapid hair loss, you must maintain a proper diet. Eating healthy food makes both you and your newborn stronger. Your diet should include many vegetables, minerals, fruits, and antioxidants (artichokes, blueberries, cranberries, spinach, and peppers).

These antioxidants are essential to protect the hair follicles that could be prone to damage because of autoimmune disorders. You can also take some healthy supplements. However, you should consult a physician before consuming any such supplement. You also need to handle your hair carefully. Avoid washing with hot water. While the strands are wet, do not comb it. Avoid styles like ponytails that put pressure on the strands. Too much pressure on the locks results in breaking.

See More: How Age Affects Pregnancy

By following the tips, you can be sure of having shiny, healthy, and thick locks even after the birth of the little bundle of joy.

Yashasvi

About Yashasvi

Yashasvi developed a deep passion for writing ever since she was completed her Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity. A Parenting expert who believes in communicating effectively with a personal touch, she writes about pregnancy, baby care, lifestyle, and just about anything else.
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