During pregnancy, many women expect certain symptoms like morning sickness, sore breasts, frequent urination and food cravings, but they may not expect other symptoms like skin changes or mood swings. Pregnancy affects each woman differently, so not every pregnant woman will experience the same symptoms. Some women find that pregnancy changes the texture and growth of their hair, which may appear thicker, coarser or finer. Pregnancy hormones can also cause hair to grow in unwanted places, like on your face or belly.
Significance
Increased levels of the hormone estrogen during pregnancy extend your hair’s growing phase, helping you lose fewer hairs during pregnancy and making the head on your hair appear thicker and faster growing. The Babycenter Advisory Board states that extra hormones, known as androgens, can possibly make your facial and body hair grow faster during pregnancy. This can make you constantly feel like you need to shave or pluck unwanted hairs.
Time Frame
Excess hair growth usually starts during the first trimester, according to dermatologist Alexa Kimball, the director of the Clinical Unit for Research Trials in Skin at Massachusetts General and Brigham and Women's hospitals. Don’t worry—this new and increased hair growth won’t last forever. The American Academy of Dermatology offers reassurance that your hair growth patterns usually return to normal 6 months after giving birth.
Considerations
While faster-growing hair and occasional stray hairs in odd places, like on your back or belly, can be normal during pregnancy, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautions that large patches of unwanted hair can signify a problem. Talk to your doctor about any concerns relating to fast-growing or unwanted hair.
Prevention/Solution
You can tweeze, shave, wax and pluck fast-growing hairs, but Kimball advises against using depilatory creams and bleaches during pregnancy due to the potential effects on your developing baby. Permanent hair removal techniques, like laser and electrolysis, are usually an option during pregnancy, but if you didn’t experience fast growing hair pre-pregnancy, the discomfort and expense of these treatments might not make them worthwhile for a temporary problem.
Warning
If the head on your hair appears thicker and fuller during pregnancy, you might lose much of this hair after giving birth. Many women experience temporary post-partum hair loss that occurs as their hormones return to normal and their hair returns to its pre-pregnancy growth patterns. While the condition can be inconvenient, it is temporary and your hair will usually return to normal by the time your baby turns one.
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