CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Q&A: Why Is My Hair Falling Out?

I noticed more hair than usual on my brush and in the drain. Is that connected to my pregnancy?
save article
profile picture of Lara Simondi
By Lara Simondi, Nurse-Midwife
Updated March 2, 2017
Hero Image

Don’t freak out, but yes, you might lose some hair — usually within the first few months after baby’s born.

During pregnancy, your hormone levels are high — lots of moms-to-be enjoy thicker, shinier hair because of them — and after delivery, they drop. One side effect of that drastic plummet is hair loss. We’re not talking going bald. More realistically, you might notice some extra hair near your shower drain or in your hairbrush. As it grows back, you may spot some shorter pieces of hair, but believe us, it will grow back. There’s not much you can do about this hair loss, but you can try to prevent some breakage by avoiding tight ponytails and braids and not going too crazy with the hairdryer and other heat-styling appliances.

Okay, that said, there are some very rare cases in which you might lose hair during pregnancy, and while it’s probably no big deal, if it’s severe (like causing bald spots), or it’s not growing back, you’ll definitely want to tell your health care provider. It could be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

close up of pregnant woman's belly and belly button
How Your Belly Button Changes During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on couch at home
What Causes Diarrhea During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman experiencing night sweats in bed
What to Do About Night Sweats During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
chiropractor or osteopath working with pregnant woman
Can You Go to the Chiropractor While Pregnant?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman with acid reflux in doctor's office
What to Do About Acid Reflux During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman sitting on couch with swollen feet
Tips for Soothing Swollen Feet and Legs During Pregnancy
By Micky Marie Morrison, PT, ICPFE
pregnant woman experiencing carpal tunnel in hands and wrists
How to Relieve Carpal Tunnel During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman touching her chest in pain
Why You Might Be Having Chest Pain During Pregnancy (and What to Do)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
woman holding her baby bump while lying on couch at home
10 Crazy Things Happening in Your Body Right Now
By Meredith Franco Meyers
pregnant woman holding belly and back due to pregnancy pains
What Might Be Causing Your Pelvic Pain During Pregnancy
By Elizabeth Narins
ADVERTISEMENT
uncomfortable pregnant woman lying down in bed
Pregnancy Insomnia: Why You Can’t Sleep (and How to Remedy That)
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman taking medication in bed at home
Can You Take Unisom During Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman taking a nap on the couch at home
Everything You Need to Know About Anemia in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman breathing deeply
What to Do About Shortness of Breath During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman suffering from headache while lying on the couch at home
How to Deal With Headaches During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman applying cream moisturizer to breast
How to Soothe Itchy Nipples During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman resting in bed
How to Deal With Body Aches During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
pregnant woman with breast tenderness
When Does Breast Tenderness Stop in Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman lying down on bed at home
What to Do About Vaginal Pain During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman itching belly
What Is PUPPP Rash in Pregnancy?
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List