Pregnancy for any woman is a period of excitement and anxiety, and soon enough she begins to notice the early body changes that take place during pregnancy. When a woman is pregnant, the entire body responds and prepares itself for the arrival of the new baby. It should be noted however the that the early body changes during pregnancy are not experienced by all, and the intensity of the signs and symptoms vary.
Hair changes during pregnancy
With no exceptions, the hair, nails, and skin undergo also changes during pregnancy due to the changes in the hormonal production. With higher levels of estrogen, the hair is in the growing phase, with only 15% hair in the resting phase. This makes the hair grow faster and healthier. In some, hair could become thin and dry or oily. While in others, hair changes during pregnancy can be dramatic, wherein the hair color changes from lighter to darker, curly hair may fall flat, or straight hair may become curly. Remember that these changes are temporary, and once the hormone levels return to normal, many women experience loss of hair after delivery.
While we are glad about hair growth on the head, we are stressed by facial hair growth, especially on the chins, lips, and cheeks. Hair can also get thicker on the hands, legs, abdomen, and back. The chief reason for such hair changes during pregnancy is due to the high levels of the pregnancy hormone cortisone. You need nor worry as the hormone levels get normal, facial hair will be gone and hair growth in general will be reduced for about six months after pregnancy.
What can you do? To reduce unwanted hair growth one may safely shave, tweeze, or wax. Try not to use harsh chemicals, as in chemical hair removal creams, as they can enter into the skin. Hair changes after pregnancy can be tackled if one continues to eat a well-balanced diet consisting of vital minerals, vitamins, proteins and fat. Hair changes during pregnancy will go away after delivery. You will also notice more hair falling out, as majority of the hair have gone to the resting phase. You need not fret as all these changes will revert to normal in about six months after pregnancy.
To cope with hair loss during pregnancy, eat more of fruits and vegetables and include omega fatty acids in your diet as they help in supplying nutrients to the scalp and promote hair growth. Be gentle with the hair and avoid stressing the hair shafts with hairstyles like braids and pony tails. Do not brush your hair when it is still wet and avoid hair blowers and other heated hair styling products. You could also use coconut, olive, or herbal oils to massage the scalp regularly. This improves blood circulation and provides nourishment. Lastly, you may opt for a convenient hair cut to cope with the hair changes during pregnancy.
Submitted by N on April 18, 2011 at 05:37
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