Postpartum Hair Loss
During pregnancy, you will likely experience thick, lush, and “radiant” hair in your third trimester. This is because your body is producing a large amount of estrogen and stopping the natural shedding process of your hair. Hair growth works in a cycle of growing, shedding, and resting. However, the estrogen stops the shedding process and allows your hair to continue to grow. That being said, you will experience a drop in estrogen levels after your child is born. This will cause the hair cycle to continue and leads to hair loss 3 to 5 months after childbirth. While this can be alarming, postpartum hair loss is not permanent, and you should regain the lost hair by the time your newborn is one.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is a postpartum symptom that many people are familiar with. It is fairly common and affects around 15 percent of women after childbirth. It’s common to experience emotional highs and lows, anxiety, fatigue, and guilt, and may have issues caring for their child. First, it’s important to note that mental health is incredibly important and that postpartum depression is natural and nothing is “wrong” with you.
It’s common for mothers with postpartum depression to feel they are doing something wrong or are frustrated that they are having problems connecting or caring for their children. The exact causes of postpartum depression are unknown. However, it is believed that the rapid drop in hormones, physical body changes, social changes, and parenting stress can lead to postpartum depression.
Postpartum depression isn’t permanent and will often fade with time, and the worst symptoms usually clear up within a year. That being said, that doesn’t mean you are “cured.” It’s important to speak to a medical professional and be open and honest about your feelings so that they can help you adjust to new motherhood.
Seeking Treatment
You may not know where to begin when seeking treatment for postpartum issues like postpartum depression. Thankfully, our team of doctors at Huey & Weprin OB/GYN provides comprehensive postpartum treatments. We understand that a mother wants to be able to focus on their child without the woes of postpartum conditions. That’s why we provide all our patients with resources and treatments to get them back to their families happy. If you’re pregnant and want to learn more about our postpartum support, contact Huey & Weprin OB/GYN at 937-771-5100 today.
