Why Is There Hair Growing Out Of The Breast During A Pregnancy?

You may have heard women experience thicker, more lustrous-appearing hair during pregnancy--but there are other areas where hair may grow. Once such example is in the breast area, where increased hormones stimulate growth in areas where hair didn't previously exist. However, these hairs typically tend to go away in the months following pregnancy.

Significance

When pregnant, estrogen levels increase, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Because increased estrogen levels are associated with an increase in hair growth, you may notice the hairs on your head seem thicker and even growing faster.
Another set of hormones, known as androgens, are the male-oriented hormones that are responsible for stimulating unusual hair growth--such as that on the breasts, stomach and facial hair.

Time Frame

According to BabyCenter.com, the pregnancy hormones that stimulate hair growth can begin to take noticeable effect in the first trimester of pregnancy. In addition to noticing thicker hair on your head, you may observe that your hair grows faster or in areas it didn't before, such as more heavily on your arms. If you observe breast hair growth, you should experience hair shedding from one to five months after giving birth, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This occurrence is known as telogen effluvium.

Warning

During pregnancy, the things you put on your body have the potential to enter you and your baby's bloodstream, which can cause harmful effects. If you have hair growing on your breasts, BabyCenter.com recommends avoiding removal methods such as depilatory cream or moisturizers to reduce growth. Because they have been for the most part untested on pregnant women, their effects aren't known.

Considerations

While hair growth--even on the breasts or other unusual places--is typical during pregnancy. Contact your doctor if you observe sudden hair loss that occurs in quarter-size patches, according to the March of Dimes. This can signal insufficient vitamin intake, a thyroid problem or another more serious condition.

Prevention/Solution

Though most hair removal methods are suitable for use during pregnancy, the breast area is very sensitive, and removal may be difficult. Although it may be difficult to view these unwanted hairs, BabyCenter.com recommends being patient. The hairs likely will disappear in the months after your baby's birth.