Isla Bennett
Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in a woman's body, and this includes changes to hair and nails. Many women report faster hair and nail growth, changes in hair texture, and thicker hair. This is due to increased levels of hormones like estrogen, which also cause hair to stay longer in the resting phase, resulting in less shedding. However, this process reverses after childbirth, leading to postpartum hair loss. Similarly, nails may become brittle and break more easily during pregnancy, but their strength and texture should improve after giving birth.
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What You'll Learn
- Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair to grow faster
- Hair may also grow in new places, such as the face, chest, belly and arms
- Nails may grow faster and become more brittle during pregnancy
- Postpartum hair loss is common, with hair returning to its normal growth cycle
- Skin changes are common during pregnancy, including acne and darkened skin
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause hair to grow faster
A woman's body undergoes numerous changes during pregnancy, and hair and nails are no exception. Many women experience faster hair growth during pregnancy, which is often attributed to hormonal changes, particularly increased estrogen levels.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can indeed cause hair to grow faster and fuller. Typically, about 85% to 90% of a woman's hair is in the active growth phase, while the remaining 10% to 15% is in a resting phase before shedding. However, during pregnancy, higher estrogen levels prolong the growth phase, resulting in reduced shedding and thicker hair. This is because the hormones prevent hair follicles from entering the resting stage, leading to increased hair growth.
The hormonal impact on hair growth is temporary, and hair growth patterns typically return to normal within six months after giving birth. Many women experience postpartum hair loss as hormone levels stabilise, which can be noticeable and peak around three to four months after delivery.
In addition to hair changes, pregnancy can also affect nail growth. Some women experience faster nail growth, while others may notice their nails becoming more brittle and prone to splitting or breaking. These nail changes are also attributed to fluctuating hormones and increased hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which directly impacts nail development. Like hair, these nail changes are temporary, and nail strength and texture usually improve after giving birth.
While most changes to hair and nails during pregnancy are harmless, it is important to monitor any unusual symptoms, such as severe hair loss or nail detachment, and consult a healthcare provider if needed.
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Hair may also grow in new places, such as the face, chest, belly and arms
Pregnancy can cause hair to grow in new places, such as the face, chest, belly and arms. This is due to a number of factors, including an increase in hormones such as androgens, estrogen, human chorionic gonadotropin, progesterone, prolactin, and various growth factors. Estrogen, in particular, is known to prolong the growth phase of hair, resulting in less shedding. In addition, increased blood circulation and a faster metabolism bring more nutrients to the hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
The changes in hormone levels during pregnancy can also cause skin and nail changes. Skin conditions such as melasma (dark patches on the skin) and acne may develop or worsen due to increased oil production caused by surging hormones. Nails may grow faster, become brittle, and break more easily.
These hair changes are usually temporary and tend to resolve within a few months after giving birth. Postpartum hair loss is common, with hormone levels dropping and hair entering the shedding phase. To manage hair changes during pregnancy, some women choose to remove unwanted hair through safe methods such as tweezing, waxing, or shaving.
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Nails may grow faster and become more brittle during pregnancy
Pregnancy leads to several changes in a woman's body, including changes in hair and nails. While some of these changes may be desirable, others may be less so. One such change is the impact on nail growth and texture. Nails may grow faster and become more brittle during pregnancy.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can cause changes in nail growth and texture. Studies show that 34.2% of pregnant women experience nail changes, compared to just 12.8% of non-pregnant women. These changes are temporary and resolve within months after delivery.
The increase in estrogen and other hormones during pregnancy can directly impact nail development. This can lead to faster-growing nails that may also become harder and more brittle. Additionally, the extra intake of folate and biotin from prenatal vitamins can contribute to these changes.
To protect your nails during pregnancy, it is recommended to wear rubber gloves when doing chores involving water or cleaning products. Keeping your hands moisturized can also help, especially the skin surrounding the nails and the nails themselves, if they are brittle. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is crucial for maintaining nail strength and preventing dryness.
While nail changes during pregnancy are common, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you notice unusual symptoms, such as nail detachment or severe changes in texture. They can advise on safe and effective treatments based on your stage of pregnancy and overall health.
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Postpartum hair loss is common, with hair returning to its normal growth cycle
Pregnancy is a time of many changes, and one of them is often thicker, fuller hair. This is due to higher levels of oestrogen, which prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, resulting in less shedding. However, this does not mean that hair is growing more than usual—it is just being retained better. After pregnancy, oestrogen levels drop, and hair starts to shed more, leading to postpartum hair loss. This is a normal and common condition, with 91.8% of women in one study experiencing it. It can be stressful, but it is not permanent, and new hair will start growing back as soon as the old hair falls out. This usually happens within six months after birth, and by the baby's first birthday, hair should be full again.
Postpartum hair loss is characterised by excessive shedding a few months after giving birth. Normally, 85-95% of hair is in the growth phase, with the remaining 5-15% in a resting phase. After the resting phase, hair falls out and is replaced by new growth. During pregnancy, the growth phase is prolonged, but after childbirth, a large number of hairs enter the resting phase, and after a few months, they start to shed.
The duration of breastfeeding has been identified as an independent predictor of postpartum hair loss. Breastfeeding delays the resumption of normal ovarian cycles, disrupting the release of certain hormones. This results in reduced production of estradiol, a hormone associated with hair growth.
While it is not possible to prevent postpartum hair loss, certain hair products and hairstyles can help while waiting for hair to grow back. It may be helpful to be aware of this phenomenon before it happens, so that it does not come as a surprise.
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Skin changes are common during pregnancy, including acne and darkened skin
Skin changes are common during pregnancy, and these can include acne and darkened skin. Many women experience a ""pregnancy glow", where their skin appears radiant due to increased blood flow and oil production. However, this increase in oil production can also lead to acne, which can be treated with over-the-counter cleansers and treatments. It is important to avoid certain acne medications, such as topical retinoids, during pregnancy as they can be harmful to the fetus.
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause an increase in pigmentation, resulting in darkened patches of skin known as melasma or "the mask of pregnancy". This typically affects the face, particularly the cheeks, nose, and forehead. The condition is not harmful and usually fades after giving birth, but it is recommended to wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent further pigmentation.
Pregnancy can also cause other skin changes, such as stretch marks, spider veins, and itchy skin. Stretch marks are common during pregnancy due to the rapid growth and stretching of the skin, especially on the belly, breasts, buttocks, and thighs. Spider veins are tiny red veins that appear on the face, neck, and arms due to increased blood circulation. They are typically painless and fade after childbirth. Itchy skin is also common during pregnancy, and some women may develop itchy rashes or bumps, such as prurigo of pregnancy, which can be treated with anti-itch medication.
While most skin changes during pregnancy are benign and temporary, it is always important to consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or if symptoms persist.
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Frequently asked questions
Hair and nail growth during pregnancy is caused by an increase in hormones like estrogen, which directly impacts nail development and hair growth. Estrogen prolongs the growth phase of hair, resulting in less shedding and thicker hair.
During pregnancy, hair may grow faster and thicker. Hair may also start growing in new places, such as the face, chest, belly, and arms. These changes are temporary and hair should return to normal within six months after birth.
Some women experience faster nail growth and harder nails during pregnancy. Nails may also become brittle and break more easily. These changes are temporary and nail strength and texture should improve after giving birth.
