There also is an increase in blood circulation during pregnancy, and this may accelerate hair growth. We will further understand this phenomenon in the following section.
Hair Becoming Thicker During Pregnancy
Our hair has a natural growth cycle. Individual hairs grow on the scalp over 2 to 3 months and are pushed out by new hair strands afterward. However, this cycle changes during pregnancy (2). You might experience your hair growing thicker around 15 weeks into pregnancy. However, in reality, individual hairs do not grow thicker. They instead stay longer in the growing phase of the hair cycle, leading to a thicker appearance. This change happens due to an increase in the estrogen hormone. But it is important to note that not all women experience thicker hair during pregnancy.
Hair Becoming Thinner During Pregnancy
Some women may experience increased hair fall during pregnancy due to decreased estrogen hormone. It is believed that a decrease in estrogen could be caused by hormonal imbalances during pregnancy or the discontinuation of contraceptives. However, more research is warranted in this regard.
Why Does Your Hair Fall Out After Having A Baby?
Pregnant women will also experience an increased hair loss after delivery. This happens when their estrogen levels normalize, sending the additional hair from the growth phase to the resting phase. This is when more hair falls out than usual, until around 3 to 4 months after the child is born. While you may observe your hair falling in clumps, you do not have to panic. This is just normal hair loss that happens all at a time. Post-childbirth hair loss can happen any time after delivery. It usually may last for a year before subsiding naturally. However, consult your doctor if you experience hair loss even after a year since childbirth.
Is hair growth common in pregnancy? Yes. Hair growth is common in pregnancy, but so is hair loss. During pregnancy, the human body experiences various levels of hormonal imbalances, which can have an effect on the hair. However, not everyone undergoes the same kind of hormonal changes. An increase in estrogen levels leads to thick hair growth, while a decrease in estrogen levels leads to hair fall. Do hair and nails grow faster during pregnancy? Yes. Hair and nails could grow faster and stronger due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy.
