Kelly’s Diary – Pregnancy, Hair Loss & Me [Part 2]

I am already half way through my pregnancy and I thought it a good idea to share with you how I am keeping myself and baby healthy.

As many readers will understand Shuna believes that hair should be washed daily. This is particularly the case during pregnancy due to the increase in hormone levels changing the composition of the sebum produced on the scalp (making the scalp oilier).

As discussed in my Part 1 blog, during pregnancy the hair simply grows and rests with minimal if any hair fall. However, this does not mean that the hair should be neglected throughout pregnancy. I am currently doing the following for optimum hair health;

• I am eating at least 2 portions of animal protein a day as this acts as food for the hair and helps to keep it healthy as well as providing great nutrients for myself and my baby.
• I am using Philip Kingsley’s Elastisizer weekly to treat my hair! This is amazing and really makes your hair feel fantastic and look so shiny.

In addition to the above, I am taking Iron as a recent blood test showed my iron store has improved from March 2014 but is still unsatisfactory for the hair.

I have included below 3 important nutrients that are essential during pregnancy and for the health of my hair, of course, there are many others.

Iron

We all know the familiar tired feeling associated with pregnancy, especially with a toddler running around as well! However, there are times when it can be more than just the ‘normal’ tired feeling. If you are experiencing undue tiredness, a simple blood test can help. Interestingly I am taking Ferrous Fumerate, as instructed by Shuna in order to build up my iron stores ready for the birth of Baby number 2! Iron can also be found in red meats, dried fruit, leafy vegetables and trace amounts in nuts, however, Shuna is passionate about the way your body stores iron.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is found in leafy vegetables and wholegrains, and it is also added to cereals and bread. This element is important as it can prevent birth defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid is important in the function of healthy hair growth. It is recommended that pregnant women take 400mcg daily.

Vitamin D

This is important in pregnancy as it regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the mother’s body and keeps her teeth healthy. It also supplies Vitamin D to the baby for the first few months of life. The absorption of Vitamin D after this time is achieved from breast or formula milk. Deficiency of this vitamin in children can cause rickets.

Vitamin D can be found in oily fish such as salmon and tuna and is also very important for the skin and scalp. It is also added to soy products and margarine. The best source of vitamin D is from the sun, but ironically in pregnancy, you are more sensitive to sunlight. It is a difficult balance. Vitamin D plays an important role in the formation of the hair follicle.

I hope you have found this blog interesting. If this has thrown up any questions please contact me. Watch out for part 3 coming soon!