Hair loss during pregnancy and afterbirth is a common occurrence known as telogen effluvium. Unlike other forms of hair loss, telogen effluvium generally treats itself once the cause has been treated. In the case of pregnancy, the hormonal change brings about telogen effluvium. As soon as the hormone levels return to normal, hair growth will resume. Discuss taking vitamins for hair growth during pregnancy with your physician.
Prenatal Vitamins
Prenatal vitamins are a multivitamin specifically formulated for women who are trying to conceive, pregnant or lactating. These vitamins contain higher levels of minerals such as iron and calcium to compensate for the increased need for them during this time. These vitamins are taken once daily and usually contain the same vitamins as regular complete over-the-counter multivitamins, with a few adjustments specifically for pregnant women.
Hair Loss and Pregnancy
During pregnancy a woman may develop telogen effluvium, which is sudden hair loss that occurs due to a sudden change in hormone levels. This causes the rapid shedding of hair from all over the scalp, which may continue until hormone levels are back to normal. Women may consider using multivitamins formulated for hair growth to minimize the amount of hair loss during pregnancy, since many hair growth medications are not used to treat telogen effluvium.
Vitamin Toxicity
Taking a prenatal vitamin and a multivitamin for hair growth combined can cause vitamin toxicity or hypervitaminosis. Toxicity usually occurs due to fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A and D being taken beyond the recommended daily allowance. Vitamin toxicity can result in serious illness and organ damage. An excessive amount of vitamin A can also cause deformities during pregnancy. If both vitamins contain iron or calcium, taking them together may result in mineral poisoning, which in some cases can be fatal.
Considerations
Before taking any over the counter supplement along with your prenatal vitamin speak to your physician about safe methods to reduce hair loss during pregnancy. Do not take more than one vitamin unless you speak to your physician.
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