Hair Loss in Pregnancy

Hair loss is natural and can be caused by factors such as hormones, physical stress, or medical issues associated with pregnancy. Few women experience hair loss during pregnancy, seeing their hair thinning or falling out more frequently. Keep reading to find out how to combat pregnancy hair loss, and whether you should visit a hair loss clinic in Singapore.

Causes of hair loss during pregnancy

Approximately 90% of your hair is growing(anagen phase) at any given time, while the remaining 10% is resting(telogen phase). Resting hair falls off every two to three months, allowing new hair to grow in its place. Telogen effluvium is excessive hair shedding that may occur three to five months after pregnancy.

Hair loss during pregnancy is not common. If it occurs during pregnancy, it can be the result of an underlying chronic or unaddressed health issue. The most common causes of hair loss related to health issues are thyroid disorders and low iron. Our body requires even more iron during pregnancy to produce more red blood cells to deliver nutrients and oxygen to provide for the increasing needs of the growing baby. Iron deficiency is frequently seen in underweight expectant moms and moms who already have mild anemia before pregnancy. Thyroid disorders during pregnancy especially hypothyroidism results in diffuse hair thinning.

Hair loss after pregnancy

Postpartum telogen effluvium is very common and occurs approximately three to four months after delivery. During pregnancy, the high levels of female hormones prolong the anagen or growth phase of the hair cycle. The increase in hormones during pregnancy prevents hair loss and actually results in thicker hair . After birth, the hormones drop to normal levels and the normal hair loss that was postponed during pregnancy will fall out. Up to 60% of your hair in the growth stage may transition to the telogen resting state after delivery. Hair loss often peaks 3-4 months after delivery as your hair follicles renew. This hair loss period generally lasts 6 months.

Recommendations during pregnancy

There are some things you may do to have better hair and/or decrease hair loss during and after pregnancy:

Consult your doctor to check that your female hormones, thyroid hormones, iron and ferritin levels are in good balance.
Avoid pigtails, cornrows, hair weaves, braids, and tight hair rollers, which can all cause your hair to pull and stress.
Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, which include flavonoids and antioxidants that may protect hair follicles and promote hair development.
Use biotin and silica-containing shampoos and conditioners.
When your hair is damp, it is more brittle, so use caution and avoid using fine teeth combs.
If you must use blow dryers or other heated hair tools, use the cold setting.
Supplement your diet with vitamin B complex, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. Do consult with your doctor on which supplements are safe to take for pregnancy.

Treating hair loss during pregnancy

If you are pregnant and experiencing hair loss due to stress or hormones, or if you are in the postpartum phase, you may not need to do anything specific. Like most changes during pregnancy, hair loss may be temporary. However, if you suspect an underlying condition or observe any abnormal symptoms, our doctors from Eeva Medical Aesthetic Clinic can help you navigate the choices to find the best and safest treatment for you.

Many of our patients come to us because they are experiencing early or moderate hair loss but are not ready for more “invasive” solutions like hair transplants or Regenera Activa. We listen to and understand our patients’ demands, and we strive to achieve the results they desire.

Our clinic employs a cutting-edge clinical hair treatment process that combines PDRN Bio-Signalling Technology from Korea and Israeli transdermal technology to provide our patients with a game-changing technique to regenerate their hair follicles at the cellular level!

Experience the Eeva Difference

Hair loss is a common part of the ageing process, and it is typical to have increased hair loss after pregnancy. Taking extra care of your hair during this sensitive phase will undoubtedly help you address the problem. Our doctors saw the need for non-invasive, low-cost clinical-grade treatment regimens based on research and technology to help reverse hair loss and encourage hair regrowth, particularly in the early or intermediate phases of hair loss. Dr Grace herself experienced hair loss issues following both of her pregnancies, so she understands how her patients feel firsthand.

Enjoy the relaxing and restorative effects of your hair loss treatment journey with Eeva – each session is regenerative and pampering to your scalp and hair. We utilize cell transdermal penetration of PDRN and multiple growth factors into the scalp and hair follicles to reinforce the cell bio-signal activity to stimulate hair growth.