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Pregnancy: Hair Changes

Overview

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect how your hair looks and feels.

  • Hair loss slows down, and hair growth can increase. You may notice that your hair is thicker and healthier-looking than usual. But in some cases, hair may become more limp and lifeless during pregnancy.
  • Hair may appear on other parts of your body, such as your belly, face, or back. This is normal during pregnancy.

After pregnancy, your hair's growth cycle returns to normal. Hair that you normally would have shed during the last few months is now ready to die and be replaced. So you lose more hair than usual in the first year after childbirth.

Credits

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Sarah Marshall MD - Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology