Hair Loss After 3 1/2 Weeks Post Partum?? Any Suggestions?

Updated on March 17, 2010
J.R. asks from Shelton, CT
20 answers

I've noticed an increase in my hair loss and am now 3 1/2 weeks post partum with my 1st baby, how has anyone handled this.... I don't want to run to my doctor or a specialist so soon...

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So What Happened?

I totally have "mommy" brain I meant to say 3 1/2 months post partum lol... Either way all of ur suggestions were helpful. I won't freak out just yet, maybe get a haircut and continue to take my vitamins unless it becomes more worry some.

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K.G.

answers from San Francisco on

Ugh after my pregnancies I lost so much hair. I even had bald spots on the sides above my ears. It's normal, but it's such a bother.

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

J.,
B complex will help with that. Let me know if you want a recommendation on which one to use.
Victoria

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

Sounds a bit early but also totally normal. Kinda gross and a pain but normal. You should've noticed a reduced rate of hair loss while pregnant. That's why you lose so much afterward...Your body starts to catch up

3 moms found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Chicago on

I think this is very normal. My hair didn't stop falling out until I was 5 months postpartum.

2 moms found this helpful

J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I've just had to deal with it. I have a ton of baby hair growing back from what I lost. Didn't start really growing back this baby hair till after I finished nursing though. My hair stylist said there's nothing really to do. Hormones are a pain in the butt.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.K.

answers from Seattle on

oh rats J.... sometimes the thick bouncy hair doesn't fall out until later.. unfortunately yes.. a post-partum usual.

wishing you a lovely time with your new baby!
-marg.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.A.

answers from Chicago on

i also experienced hair loss after the birth of my son and was told by my hairdresser that it is perfectly normal.. if your worried i suggest you go see a hairdresser so they can explain it to you better, i was lucky enough to go in when mine was training up apprentices so i learnt alot :) hope this helps

1 mom found this helpful
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S.D.

answers from Topeka on

So normal no need to see your DR.Time to get a haircut

1 mom found this helpful
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A.C.

answers from Cincinnati on

Yep, that happens. My hair started falling out about 4 weeks after my son was born and continued for the next couple of months! It felt like it would never end (but it did, whew!)

It is a completely normal part of the hormone changes postpartum (most people also notice that their hair is thicker and a slightly different texture during pregnancy, and it takes a while to go back to normal after the baby was born). I would only be concerned if you notice that you are developing a bald or thinner spot, because that is unusual, but shedding like a German Shepherd is just something we moms go through after giving birth. Good luck.

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T.M.

answers from New York on

Hi ... I experienced the same thing, and I did run to my doctor in fear!! Turned out I was vitamin deficient ... mostly D, B, and iron. My doctor started giving me B12 shots to get me up to a more normal level, but now I just take vitamins daily. It might be a really good idea for you to have a doctor run a blood panel ... have him/her check your iron levels, your B levels, and your D levels especially. If you are deficient, once you start taking the needed supplements, your hair will stop falling out, and you'll feel better in general. I never realized how much a baby actually "takes" from a mother's body! I wish you the best of luck! Feel better Momma!

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E.E.

answers from New York on

Yep, like everyone else said, completely normal.

It took until my son was about 6 months old until it stopped for me. And my hair was thin to begin with!

Hopefully it'll stop sooner for you. Good luck with your new little one!

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

It's completely natural - no need to see your doctor. Unfortunately, the pregnancy hormones help prevent you from shedding as much hair during the pregnancy, but when they exit your system postpartum, you feel as if you're losing most of your hair.

And, I've been there having lost it to chemo. It's traumatic to lose your hair postpartum, but your hormones will balance out in a few weeks and be back to normal soon.

Good luck with your new baby.

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A.R.

answers from New York on

Normal! When ur prego the hormones & prenatal vitamins give you fast growing beautiful nails & hair! You get fabulous luxurious supermodel hair! Then u have the baby & nature laughs @ you & says so sad to bad & gives you a flabby tummy, chipping nails & hair falling all over the place - looks like a dog/cat shedding all over the place doesn't it! LOL! After 3 kids I've learned to just laugh @ it! Next pregnancy take lots of headshot pics!

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C.T.

answers from New York on

With both of my pregnancies I had a similar problem. My first pregnancy, my doctor told me it was not uncommon with the change in hormone levels. After my second pregnancy I knew I had hypothyroidism which also can cause hairloss. Either way it is not uncommon. In both instances the hairloss slowed down. If you think it may be thyroid related have your doctor run the tests for thyroidism. If not just wait it out. I did find myself brushing my hair more often and pulling it back (I have very long hair) to prevent the shedding to fall where I didnt want it....like my cooking, the baby's diapers, etc.

Either way, enjoy the new one, and get plenty of rest and vitamins

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C.O.

answers from New York on

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I am seven months post partum with number 2 and my hair loss is just in the last couple of weeks returning to normal. It was about the same after my first baby.
I would not resort to calling your doctor unless you are noticing patches of exposed scalp, or rash or something else that really makes you freak out. You grew alot of hair while you were pregnant and what comes up must fgo down.
Good Luck!

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A.G.

answers from New York on

"shedding" (as we call it) is totally NORMAL after having a baby. For me it usually starts about 3 months but it can start anytime post partum. While pregnant you probably didn't shed much but now at times you think you should be baled in another few days. I would call the doctor if you see clumps from the same location or balding in an area but heavy shedding is normal. I had to clean my shower drain about 3 - 4 times A SHOWER for the water to go down. It will slow down but that too will take awhile. If your really worried call your doctor now but you can always ask at your 6 week post partum check up to! Congratulation!!! A.

M.V.

answers from New York on

hi J.!! don't panic, this is verrry common after you have a baby. i went thru the same thing after i had my daughter (1st baby). my hair thinned out dramatically and it took about 1yr. and a half for my hair to get back to its regular thickness. the thing i was told by my hairdresser and family is that your body is in shock after havin the baby and your body just needs to be nourished big time in order to get back to functioning like it did before the baby. now we're trying for baby #2 and it's not something i'm looking fwd to, but it's all worth it to bring another life into this world...=) -M.

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J.S.

answers from Kansas City on

Hi J.,

This is totally normally to have hair loss after having a baby. It has to do with the change in your hormones and can last up to 6 months. We don't lose as much hair when we are pregnant, so it is like your body is making up for it after the baby arrives, hence increased hair loss.

If it lasts longer than that, be sure to let your doctor know. You could have some thyroid issues or an iron deficiency. I had both.

Best wishes to you :)

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

Oh...I miss my pregnancy hair so much. I am, by nature, a heavy shedder so it was nothing short of miraculous when I stopped shedding while pregnant. My hair had never been so thick and luxurious. As others have said, perfectly normal and caused by the shift in hormones. If you are nursing, keep taking your prenatal vitamins.

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A.H.

answers from New York on

this is very normal. You probably had decreased hair loss during you pregnancy, and now you're making up for it. It's a hormonal thing (of course!!)

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