Pregnancy and Hair Loss

As many know, when a woman gets pregnant, some decidedly unpleasant things happen to her body. Nausea, gas, big feet, swelling, heartburn...we could go on and on. Even after giving birth, a few things may be a bit off kilter as the body goes back to "normal."

One of the most difficult by products of pregnancy (besides having to get ALL new shoes because your feet have grown or ALL new clothes because you can't fit your old ones) is hair loss. As seen in this September 16, 2008 photo, even the gorgeous Halle Berry was seen with obviously thinning hair months after her daughter was born.

Berry's baby, Nahla Ariela was six months old at the time of this photo, about the time Sabina Topp's son was when she started noticing that her once thick hair was thinning in the front -- to her absolute horror!

"It didn't happen right away," said the mother of two, who noted that this did not happen in her first pregnancy. "But the girl who does my hair at the salon told me it was the baby before the dermatologist did," said Topp, who ran staright to the doctor to see if she could get some hair Rx.

Halle Berry Pictures

WESTWOOD, CA - JUNE 29: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival Awards Ceremony "Spirit of Independence" at the Armand Hammer Museum on June 29, 2008 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Getty Images

HOLLYWOOD - JUNE 12: Actress Halle Berry speaks during the 36th AFI Life Achievement Award tribute to Warren Beatty held at the Kodak Theatre on June 12, 2008 in Hollywood, California. The show will air on USA Network at 9PM PST on June 25, 2008. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for AFI)

Getty Images

Halle Berry at The 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women held downtown Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.Los Angeles, California United States.May 10, 2008.Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com..To license this image (15795989), contact WireImage.com

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Halle Berry and Beau Garrett at The 15th Annual Entertainment Industry Foundation's Revlon Run/Walk for Women held downtown Los Angeles on May 10, 2008 in Los Angeles, California..15th Annual EIF Revlon Run/Walk For Women.Los Angeles, California United States.May 10, 2008.Photo by Alexandra Wyman/WireImage.com..To license this image (15796049), contact WireImage.com

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The good news was that the dermatologist said that it was most likely a temporary condition. The not so good news was the condition would continue as long as Topp was breastfeeding and hormone levels in her body remained high. The doctor prescribed biotin in a less than normal dosage because of the nursing and Topp noticed some immediate results.

Causes of Postpartum Shedding

During pregnancy, the levels of progesterone and estrogen are very high. The increase in estrogen often stimulates hair growth and reduces the amount of hair shed during pregnancy.

After birth, these hormone levels will drop to their normal state and many women will experience Telogen Effluvium, which is excessive postpartum shedding. This condition is temporary and will usually last one to four months after pregnancy.

When should you see a doctor?

If the condition lasts longer than 6-12 months, check with your doctor. In addition, if you are also experiencing brittle nails, fatigue, prolonged colds and weight gain, consult with your doctor as you may have a hypothyroid condition.

Postpartum Shedding Hair Care Regimen
Here are a few tips to help you retain as much hair as possible.

Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables which contain vital nutrients to protect and nourish the hair follicles.
Wash and condition your hair with a garlic shampoo and conditioner, which will help prevent shedding. A good line of garlic based products is called Nutrine. Or, apply garlic and olive oil to the scalp and let sit overnight or for 1 hour prior to shampooing. If you are not using a garlic shampoo, look for products that contain Biotin and Silica.
After washing, gently detangle with a wide tooth comb and apply a moisturizer or oil. Avoid brushing or using combs with small teeth as they will place unnecessary stress on the hair.

Using your comb or fingers, gather and smooth hair into a bun or ponytail with a roller on the ends. Alternatively, use your fingers to plait hair in braids or twists and let airdry.

The main goal here is to opt for very easy, low manipulation hair styles that will reduce the need to comb, tug and pull on the hair. In addition, limiting direct heat and airdrying more often will allow the hair to retain thickness and strength. Just remember that the shedding is temporary and your hair will return to normal within a few months.

I hope this helps! For more tips, please join me on my blog or social network.

Additional reporting by Angela Bronner.