With hormone levels changing and spiking during pregnancy, you will notice a number of changes occurring in your body. One change that is quite common is a change in hair growth. Some women will experience an increase in hair growth all over their body.
When you become pregnant, you will notice that your hair changes considerably. Some women find that the texture of their hair has changed entirely. Others believe that their hair is now fuller or thicker. However, while you aren’t growing new hair, your existing hair is not becoming thicker either. Instead, due to the excessive amounts of oestrogen being produced in your body, the growth stage of your hair is now longer.
Women who are not pregnant experience a normal hair fall of around 100 strands per day. Around 5 to 15% of your hair is in a resting phase while the rest is in a growth phase. After the resting phase, these hairs will fall when you either brush or shampoo your hair. With an increase in oestrogen, the growth phase is longer which means that lesser hair is falling out, giving you the impression of fuller and thicker hair. Many women will find that their hair has more shine during their pregnancy.
You might also notice an increase in facial or body hair growth in pregnancy and this can be attributed to the increase in the hormone known as androgen. You must keep in mind that none of the changes that occur during pregnancy will last long. Once your pregnancy is over, the body will regulate itself back to its previous state of hormone levels, and this will stop the growth of facial or body hair. If the hair growth bothers you, then you can safely wax or tweeze the hair.
You can rest assured that the change in your hair growth patterns will not be permanent. Once your pregnancy is over, the hormones will settle back into their previous patterns. You will notice a reversal in the hair growth back to pre-pregnancy levels between 3 to 6 months after the pregnancy.
As discussed, the increase in the hormone androgen results in the excessive growth of hair on the face and body. Here are a few more causes of increase in pregnancy hair growth.
There are a few things you must try to avoid when you are pregnant. The same applies to the way you treat the excessive hair you now find. One of the most important things to avoid is bleaching your hair. Since a lot of harsh chemicals are used in the process of bleaching hair, these chemicals can seep into the skin and travel to the foetus. While there hasn’t been enough research to show the harmful effects of bleach on the foetus, it is best that you avoid exposing the developing baby to chemical products. If you are still having doubts, then please consult with your doctor and only visit reputed beauty salons.
You should also avoid getting any laser treatments to remove the excess hair. Most places that offer these services will not carry out the procedure on pregnant women. Also, due to the varying levels of hormones in your body, you may find that the laser treatment does not work.
So, how do you get rid of the unwanted hair growth during pregnancy? Here are a few methods that you can try that will be safe for you and your baby.
There are many things you can do to ensure that your hair is strong and supple during your pregnancy. It is best that you start developing these habits during your pregnancy and continue them later on as well.
Pregnancy causes many changes in your body including a change in hair growth. Rest assured that this is a completely normal phenomenon, and things will go back to normal after the pregnancy. If you still have concerns, then do not be afraid to bring them to the notice of your doctor.