Is Hair Loss During Pregnancy Normal? 7 Answers & Next Steps

Experiencing hair loss during pregnancy can feel confusing, disorienting, and – if we're honest – deeply personal. You might be looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger look back at you. You might be worrying that your partner, family, and friends see you differently. You might not even know how to describe what you are thinking and feeling. 

Layer that on top of the exhaustion, hormonal shifts, and emotional overwhelm of pregnancy, and this loss of control over your hair can feel like the final straw.

If this is you, please hear this first:

You are not alone, and what you’re feeling is perfectly normal.

At Hair Enhancements, we meet women every day who are walking through medical or genetic hair loss. Many of the people on our team have gone through hair loss, too. We understand the intrusive thoughts, the anxiety around social situations, the grief over your identity, and the fear that nothing will help. 

That’s why we’re committed to helping women like you –  because we know what it’s like, what could be causing your hair loss, and what options exist for you to get through this and make the most of your situation.

Below, you’ll find 7 clear answers to the question, “Is hair loss during pregnancy normal?” along with some simple next steps and supportive, actionable solutions.

1. Is Hair Loss During Pregnancy Normal?

Yes, hair loss during pregnancy does happen to a significant number of women, though it is statistically less common than postpartum hair shedding. Hormonal changes, stress, vitamin deficiencies, and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss in pregnancy.

The good news? Most pregnancy-related shedding is temporary. But if you are experiencing significant hair loss, it’s important to talk with your PCP or regular healthcare provider to rule out treatable causes and ensure your body is getting everything it needs.

2. Why Does Hair Loss Happen During Pregnancy? 5 Common Causes

While many women experience thicker hair during pregnancy as a result of increased estrogen levels in their bloodstream, that isn’t the case for all women. Some common causes for hair loss during pregnancy we’ve heard about from our clients include:

Hormonal Fluctuations

Shifts in estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, and cortisol can push your hair follicles into their “shedding” (telogen) phase sooner than they would usually get there.

Nutrient Deficiency

Being pregnant – literally supporting another human life in your womb – naturally increases your body’s demand for things like iron, vitamin D, folate, and protein. Any of these nutrient deficiencies can trigger hair thinning and hair loss, regardless of whether you are pregnant.

Stress or Emotional Overload

Pregnancy can be an emotionally intense season, full of major life changes and stressors affecting everything from your job to your energy levels and relationships. It’s no wonder stress like that can disrupt your hair growth cycle – and that is why stress is one of the most common causes of hair loss during pregnancy.

Medical Factors

Thyroid disorders, anemia, and autoimmune conditions could all come to the surface during pregnancy, when your body is wrestling with a host of other changes. That’s why it’s so important to see your PCP or a dermatologist to test for conditions like these: they have the facilities and expertise to diagnose what could be going on inside your body, beneath any hair loss symptoms.

Discontinuing Certain Medications

If you stopped birth control or other prescriptions when you became pregnant, your hair could be responding to that hormonal shift by compensating in the form of hair loss. Sometimes, this side effect could be delayed until several months after you stopped your medication, which is another important reason to visit your PCP for medically-approved answers.

No matter how common or rare each of these causes of hair loss during pregnancy may be, the emotional weight attached to each one is real. Many of our clients describe their hair loss in pregnancy as another reminder that their bodies – and entire lives – are changing in ways they could never have expected.

3. How Long Does Hair Loss During Pregnancy Last?

Most pregnancy-related hair shedding is temporary, resolving within several months. But the emotional impact can last longer:

• You may feel insecure going out in public.

• You may avoid photos during a season you would love to celebrate.

• You might even be wondering: Will I ever feel like myself again?

Our clients consistently tell us that the hardest part of their experience isn’t the hair loss itself – it’s what that loss represents for them: their identity, dignity, and confidence. 

That’s why, at Hair Enhancements, we go beyond hair products, always taking the time to listen to your story first. Our priority is to help you feel safe, understood, and empowered to get back to your best.

4. When Should I See a Doctor About Hair Loss During Pregnancy?

We highly recommend seeing your PCP or another medical professional if you notice:

• Rapid or patchy hair loss;

• Your hair falling out in clumps;

• Accompanying fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms; or

• A family history of thyroid or autoimmune disorders.

Your PCP, OB-GYN, or dermatologist can order bloodwork to check for deficiencies, hormone imbalances, or medical conditions that could be contributing to your shedding.

That is always the first actionable step we encourage our clients to take – both for clarity and the relief that comes with finding out why.

5. What Treatments Help With Hair Loss During Pregnancy?

Your exact treatment options will depend on the cause of your hair loss and your doctor’s recommendations. With that said, some common treatment approaches include:

Topical Treatments

Your provider may recommend safe topical solutions, depending on which trimester you are in and what your personal medical history is like.

Oral Supplements

Correcting iron, vitamin D, or other deficiencies, either through a balanced diet or oral supplements, can support hair regrowth.

Gut Health & Nutrition

Some women find their hair starts growing back after addressing gut inflammation, nutrient absorption issues, or upping their protein intake.

Stress Reduction & Rest

Because stress is a major trigger, more rest really does matter. Anything you can do to minimize stress and work through your triggers – whether those come from your job, relationships, or other life circumstances – can make a world of difference to your hair.

Cosmetic Solutions

If you’re looking for something that helps today, hair loss solutions like wigs and hair toppers can offer immediate aesthetic and emotional relief.

At Hair Enhancements, we are committed to empathy without an agenda: if a wig or topper isn’t right for you, we will be genuinely glad simply to have met you and supported you along the way.

6. Are Wigs or Toppers a Good Solution for Hair Loss in Pregnancy?

Absolutely. Many women find that wearing a wig or clip-on hair topper during pregnancy gives them:

• The emotional space to focus on their health and baby;

• Regained confidence in social situations;

• Freedom from constant self-consciousness; and

• A sense of beauty and control during a vulnerable season.

At Hair Enhancements, we provide a confidential, gentle, and supportive environment where you can explore options without pressure. Our customization process maps your lifestyle, hair texture, density, color, and long-term needs to create a solution that helps you feel like you again.

We prioritize this kind of personalized approach to help you feel beautiful and dignified in every season of motherhood.