No. Losing hair during pregnancy is quite unusual. For most women, the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy make their hair appear healthier, thicker and fuller. Hair loss, often in clumps, is more common, after your baby's birth rather than when you are pregnant. There isn't much information about hair loss during pregnancy. However, it is likely that the hormone progesterone, released in high levels during pregnancy makes your hair drier. Dry hair has a higher chance of cracking and breaking. This is more common in later stages of pregnancy. Breaking of hair near the roots may look like hair loss, although it actually isn't. Whatever the case, it can be quite distressing. Talking to your doctor about your hair loss during pregnancy is important. It will help you find out if there is any other reason for your problem. This is all the more essential if you have a long-term health condition.

In some cases, hair loss may be linked to an iron deficiency (anaemia), although some research disputes this. Occasionally, hair loss can be linked to other health conditions, such as lupus (SLE), or a thyroid condition. You may want to try the following tips to reduce hair damage to the best possible extent:

  • Do not over-brush your hair
  • Try and use a mild shampoo and conditioner
  • Use a detangling comb when your hair is still wet
  • Avoid tying up your hair in a tight ponytail or bun, as this may pull your hair making it easy to break
  • Don't use chemical dyes, perming or straightening treatments, they can make your hair drier and more brittle

Experts believe that eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in flavonoids and antioxidants protects hair follicles, thus encouraging growth. Though enough evidence is not available to prove this theory, it is worth giving a try. Eating fruit and vegetables is good for you and your baby's health, anyways, even if they don't have any effect on your hair. It is possible that if you continue to lose hair during your pregnancy, you may not lose as much as other mums once your baby is born. However, this is not certain. After your baby's birth, it may still take a while for your hair to come back to normal. Patience is the key and with the right care, you'll soon find your body, including your hair, slowly returning to its pre-pregnancy state.