mardi 13 mars 2012

I am pregnant and my hair is falling out!

This article was published for the first time in February 2012 in the West End Times.
ARTICLE REPRINT
Cet article a été publié pour la première fois en février 2012 dans le West End Times

Pregnancy test is positive!  You are feeling so many different emotions, happiness, excitement, nervousness.  You are going to have a baby!  As the pregnancy advances many changes take place in your body, your belly is getting larger, you are experiencing food cravings and your hair... is falling out! This article focuses on pregnancy induced hair loss.
Pregnancy is a wonderful experience; however there are many problems related to pregnancy which includes hair loss.   To understand pregnancy induced hair loss, you need to understand how the hair cycle works.  On average, 10% of our hair is in its resting phase, meaning they stopped growing, where as 90% of them keep growing every day.  The resting hair falls out every three months and new hair grows to replace this hair.  A type of hair loss that can occur during pregnancy, usually the first and second trimester, IS called telogen effluvium. Approximately 50% OF WOMEN ARE affected by this type of hair loss during pregnancy every year. Imagine 1 out of 2 women need to face hair loss caused by pregnancy.  
During pregnancy, we usually notice that hair resting increases during pregnancy. The hair falls out continuously but slowly. It is a temporary hair loss and usually does not cause permanent hair loss or bald spots. In this situation, we see that hair loss diminishes approximately 4 to 5 months prior to giving birth. However, if you notice unusual amounts of hair falling out during your pregnancy then you should discuss possible vitamin deficiencies with your health care professional. Your hair growth should return to normal up to 8 months after giving birth. 

Another situation can be seen, the rise in hormones during pregnancy can actually play a reverse roll.  Many women during pregnancy see a positive change to their hair, thicker and fuller.  However, the reason is due to the fact that the resting hair stays in place and doesn't fall out of the scalp. After giving birth, the hormones tend to return to normal, as well as the hair growth cycle which can cause all the hair that should have fallen out during pregnancy to fall out at one time.  This event can be very traumatic and scare the new mother, especially since the hair fall increases till approximately the 4th month after birth, and then returns back to the normal phase within 8 to 12 months.

Pregnancy isn't the only event that can cause this type of hormonal hair loss, hair loss can occur due to taking birth control, abortion, and miscarriages.

Tips to help avoid Hair Loss during or after pregnancy: 

1st - You should avoid pulling on your hair, doing tight cornrows, braids, roller sets and ponytails.  When you brush your hair, you should brush from the tips gently going to the scalp.  Never start from the root since it is more aggressive on your hair.  
2nd - You should eat a healthy diet consisting of vegetables and fruits which protect the hair follicles that stimulate hair growth.
3rd - You should use shampoos and conditioners that are made from natural products and not put too many chemicals on your hair. 
4th - If you are stressed about the hair loss, it can make it worse.  There are many techniques that can help cover up the hair loss and reduce anxiety.
Last but not the least you should be taking the proper nutritional supplements during pregnancy, again see with your medical professional. 

Therefore, hair fall can be successfully reduced and controlled by adapting the ways and treatments mentioned above. 

For questions about Hair Loss email us at info@orderquality.com or visit our website atwww.OrderQualityWigs.ca
Laurie Brown
Order Quality Wigs, Inc.