Hair Growth & Pregnancy

Hair texture and thickness are two things that are affected by the hormones that your body releases during pregnancy. According to Pregnancy for Dummies, hair may also begin to grow in unusual places. These changes are perfectly normal parts of a healthy pregnancy and are not permanent. Hair growth generally returns to normal after you give birth.

Growth Cycle

Normally, your hair grows in a cycle. According to the March of Dimes Health Education Center, each hair on your head grows about 1/2 inch per month for a time span of two to six years. After it's finished growing, it goes into a resting phase for two to three months and then falls out, and the growth cycle begins again. The cycle is varied, so that at any given time, approximately 10 percent of your hair is in a resting phase and the rest is still in the growing phase.

Interruption

Pregnancy interrupts the normal hair growth cycle. The higher hormone levels in your body keep your hair in the resting phase for a longer period. In fact, many strands remain in the resting phase for the full length of your pregnancy. Because pregnant women lose so little hair, their locks appear fuller, shinier and longer than usual.

Unusual Growth

Unusual hair growth is not limited to the hair on your head while you're pregnant. According to Pregnancy for Dummies, many pregnant women experience hair growth in places they normally wouldn't, such as their back, chin and stomach. It is safe to pluck, wax and shave these areas while you're pregnant, but you should forgo chemical-based hair removal creams. These odd patches of hair will disappear after you've given birth.

Post-pregnancy

After you give birth, your hair cycle will generally return to normal. However, it will have some catching up to do in the first few weeks. The March of Dimes Health Education Center says that the hair loss that was delayed during pregnancy tends to occur all at once. Additionally, the resting phase shortens to its usual time period of two to three months. You hair may appear a bit thin and dull while it's getting back to normal in the first few months.

Special Care

Both during and after pregnancy, your hair will require special care. Eat a diet that's packed with fruits and vegetables to protect hair shafts and encourage growth. You should also avoid blowdrying and brushing your hair when it's wet to keep from damaging it. Never pull your hair into tight hairstyles, especially while it's recovering after your pregnancy has ended.