Pregnancy Nail and Hair Growth

Noticed lately your hair is a bit thicker and your nails longer than usual? They probably are! Learn more about every woman’s favorite pregnancy symptom: fast-growing hair and nails.

Between constipation,heartburn and yourswollen, achy feet, you might feel like your pregnancy hormones are teaming up to make you miserable during pregnancy. Happily, there are a few good side effects when you’re expecting: Have you checked out your nails lately? By week 20 of pregnancy, they’re likely growing quicker than usual — and faster than you can manicure them, though you might notice they feel slightly more soft, dry or brittle. What about your hair? Does it feel thicker and look more shiny and healthy than usual? It's probably growing faster, too — probably before you can even book an appointment with your stylist (kind of makes you want to audition for a hair commercial, doesn’t it!). It may also change in texture (straight hair might become curly, and vice-versa).

The downside of this hormonally-triggered hairy situation is that you may suddenly sprout strands in places you'd rather not, including your face (whose five o'clock shadow is that?), back (hello, Bigfoot), nipples and stomach (bet you never plucked your belly before!). Don't worry; most of the excess hair should fall out within six months of giving birth.

WHAT CAUSES IT

You can credit (or blame) those pregnancy hormones — particularly estrogen — again for the changes in your nail and hair growth during pregnancy, making your hair both grow faster and be less likely to fall out. The increased blood circulation and your pumped-up metabolism that are bringing more nutrients to your hair and nails also deserve some thanks.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Keep in mind that like all of the pregnancy symptoms you’re experiencing, the changes to your hair and nails are temporary. So your nails will likely return to their normal growth rate and texture within three to six months after delivery. And though you may love your lavish locks now, don't get too attached: Your good-hair-day run ends with delivery, when the normal daily hair loss that's suppressed during pregnancy resumes with a vengeance. Once your baby is born, all that hair that didn't fall out during pregnancy will — making you wonder whether you'll need to reach for the Rogaine (don't worry, you won't).

HOW TO CARE FOR ALL THAT EXTRA HAIR DURING PREGNANCY

Here’s what you should keep in mind when it comes to washing and drying all that extra-lush, luxurious hair during pregnancy: 

Keep it steady. Being all belly and all thumbs may make simple moves (like leaning back to rinse your hair or bending over to blow it dry) a tad more challenging and potentially dangerous if you lose your balance. 

Take your time. Also factor in the potential for postural hypotension: The drop in blood pressure and dizziness that can result when you bend over and get up quickly. 

Stay cool. You’re one hot mama right now — so don’t make yourself even hotter by blasting your dryer on high with the bathroom door closed. Opt for the warm setting instead and leave the door open so cool air can circulate. That way you’ll avoid getting clammy or dizzy, and you might just reduce the frizz factor as well.