What vitamins are good for hair loss during pregnancy? Essential vitamins for promoting hair health during pregnancy include biotin, vitamin E, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Consult with a healthcare provider to determine the right supplements based on your hair loss needs.
B Vitamin Complex
Contains B1, B2, B6, B7 (Biotin) and B12 as deficiency in these can lead to hair loss. B vitamins also support with tiredness and fatigue, which new mums may be feeling especially!
Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 and fatty acids that are known to improve hair growth. However, be careful while consuming fish during pregnancy as not all types of fish are safe to consume. Consult with your nutritionist or gynaecologist before consuming fish during pregnancy.
Changes in hormones during and after pregnancy cause hair to first grow thicker, and then shed as hormone levels return to normal. While a good diet and careful use of shampoos can help stop further shedding, hair returns to its normal growth cycle after about 6–12 months.
Postpartum hair loss is a common condition that occurs about three months after childbirth and can last up to six months. It's a normal part of pregnancy and is only temporary. For most people, your hair will grow back to its original fullness.
Low iron levels can lead to hair loss. Iron deficiency can trigger a condition called telogen effluvium, which increases hair shedding and limits hair growth. Iron deficiency hair loss can be reversed if you get your iron levels back to normal. Oral iron supplements can help replenish your body's iron stores.
When do babies grow hair? Around week 14 or week 15 of pregnancy, teeny-tiny baby hairs start to poke through the skin at a slight angle, setting the stage for your baby's hairline to appear very soon. Eyelashes and eyebrows are looking pretty good too by around week 22.
If you're planning to take prenatal vitamins for hair growth, know that they may not help as there's no research support for the hair growth claim. However, prenatal vitamins are beneficial for people who desire and are planning for pregnancy.
By the time your baby is about 12 months old your hair should go back to normal. Around 2 to 4 months after you give birth, you may start to shed (lose) hair. This can be worrying, but you will not go bald. You can continue losing extra hair for up to 6 months.
If iron deficiency is the only reason for your hair loss, you should start seeing improvements within a few months of taking iron supplements. Typically, it takes about 3 to 6 months to see noticeable changes, as hair growth is a gradual process.
"For hair growth, I recommend B vitamins (including biotin), keratin, magnesium, and calcium," she says. "For nail growth, I would recommend taking B vitamins (including biotin), iron and vitamins A and C." Friese also suggests collagen, niacin and zinc to help keep your scalp, and thus your hair, healthy.
The good news is that this excessive shedding is temporary, and you do not have to do anything to remedy it. Most women see their hair return to its normal fullness by their child's first birthday. Many women regain normal fullness even earlier.
Biotin vs prenatal vitamins for hair growth
However, for those who are not pregnant, prenatal vitamins may not have the same effect. Biotin, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to support healthy hair growth and improve hair thickness.
Biotin use has caused the misdiagnosis of hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease, a serious autoimmune thyroid disease. 8 This is due to biotin's impact on thyroid lab work. Check with your healthcare provider before starting a supplement regimen. They may suggest that you stop taking biotin before getting your labs done.
During pregnancy, vitamin B12 is important for the development and function of your baby's brain and spinal cord to prevent serious neural tube defects such as: Spina bifida (baby's spine not forming correctly) Anencephaly (the spinal cord and brain do not form properly)
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), hormonal changes during pregnancy may cause additional hair growth on the head and body. Some people may notice hair growth in areas where they typically do not have hair, including their face, chest, abdomen, and arms.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamins A, C, and E, folic acid tablets, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, are particularly beneficial for promoting healthy skin development and fair complexion for the baby during pregnancy.
Beyond checking for folic acid and iron, look for a prenatal vitamin that contains calcium and vitamin D. They help promote the development of the baby's teeth and bones. It also might be beneficial to look for a prenatal vitamin that contains vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, B vitamins, zinc and iodine.