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ALL YOU NEED TO

KNOW FIRST TIME MOM

Module 06

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6. Module 06: 3.2 Hair – during and after pregnancy

Table of Contents

6. Module 06: 3.2 Hair – during and after pregnancy ............................................................................................... 1

6.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2

6.2 Ease and minimize back pain ............................................................................................................... 4

6.2.1 Types of back pain ............................................................................................................................ 5

6.2.2 Pampering your back ........................................................................................................................ 6

6.3 Cool your heartburn .............................................................................................................................. 8

6.4 Constipated? ........................................................................................................................................ 9

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6.1 Introduction

Like so many other changes women face during and after pregnancy, a woman’s hair undergoes a particular

shift during this time. In its natural hair cycle, there are three stages: growth, resting, and shedding. During

pregnancy, women only experience the first two stages of growth and resting, but do not experience the

shedding process. The result, is often thicker and longer hair. While having faster growing and thicker hair

sounds lovely to most women, it’s the concept of being just yet another unfamiliarity that creates stress for

women. From weight gain, to changes in skin tones and textures, tackling new hair obstacles can become just

another task to deal with. Both during and after pregnancy, women can take advantage of this time to enhance

their comfort level and beauty by pampering oneself through various hair care techniques.

Here are some of the ways you can spoil yourself and keep your new, luscious head of hair healthy:

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Hair and head message: a great way to impart healthy oils into your hair is to have a salon professional book

you for a hair and head message, specifying that you’re pregnant so they use the proper ingredients on your

scalp and hair. The message will reduce stress while the hair care oil products will enhance healthy hair cells

and keep you glowing.

Hair masks: whether you visit a salon or try to do it yourself at home, keeping your hair healthy by infusing

herbal and organic, natural products like coconut oil, avocado, or macadamia oil wraps will enhance the luster

of your locks.

Regular haircuts: allowing yourself to schedule regular haircuts throughout your pregnancy will eliminate

the hassle associated with your longer, thicker growth. Be sure not to neglect yourself and your beauty needs

by visiting a salon a few times throughout your pregnancy, and treating yourself again post-pregnancy. There’s

no need to feel that your beauty needs to be sacrificed now that you’re a new mom. Indulge in yourself by

rewarding you with ways of keeping your locks under control, easy to take care of, and well-kept so that you

project that healthy lifestyle throughout this important time in your life.

Hair color and highlighting: it’s important to be very aware of the use of any chemical treatments throughout

pregnancy. Many doctors warn against both at home and in salon use of any hair color. Discuss possible

treatments with your doctors and salon professionals, and be patient by rewarding yourself post-baby with a

new hairdo.

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6.2 Ease and minimize back pain

Anyone who has ever experienced back pain knows that it can truly be debilitating, keeping you from work,

socializing, and regular exercise. Unfortunately, a large number of women experience back pain during their

pregnancy, most significantly throughout the seventh through ninth months.

Women who suffer back pain issues prior to pregnancy are at higher risk of pain in the back while carrying a

child. However, they are not exclusively at risk, as roughly 80% of women will experience some kind of

lumbar or pelvic pain over the course of those 9-months and even possibly after the physically trying

experience of childbirth. The good news is that with some simple pampering techniques, spoiling yourself can

make a huge difference in how pregnant woman can ease pain, reduce stress, and experience comfort prior to

welcoming their newborn.

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6.2.1 Types of back pain

Lumbarpain, or lower back pain: low back pain often resides in the center of the back and can be the result

of issues or pain in feet or legs, that travel of the sciatic nerve. Lumbar pain can increase in severity with long

periods of stationary rest, like sitting and standing and also the effect of excessive lifting. For new mothers,

this can cause a lot of stress during the late stages of pregnancy, as back pain can be the cause of being put on

bed rest, yet in a catch-22, the extended sitting and laying down can exaggerate and extend the pain suffered.

Furthermore, new moms are often lifting, bending, and standing to tend to their newborns; this can further

complicate pain and reduce a mom’s ability to play with and take care of her baby without feeling pain.

Posterior pelvic pain: pelvic pain is experienced in high numbers during pregnancy, far more than even

lumbar pain is and by women who have never felt back pain prior to their pregnancy. A deep seeded pain

across the waist region, particularly laying directly on the tailbone, and at times into the buttocks and down

the back of the legs and hamstrings. Walking, twisting, bending, and even lying down can add to the pain felt.

Since a woman is carrying extra weight directly in the front of her body with the growth of the belly, that extra

weight tends to fall on the pelvic region, causing irritation while during regular daily tasks, even something

as simple as sleeping and rolling over in bed.

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6.2.2 Pampering your back

Luckily, back pain doesn’t need to be simply endured during pregnancy. While taking pills to alleviate pain

is an unlikely choice your doctor is willing to suggest when you’re carrying a child, there are ways that your

back pain can be tended to that will encourage strength, relaxation, calm, and relief from discomfort and

irritation.

Here are some of the best ways to spoil yourself during pregnancy, whether suffering excruciating back pain,

feeling the first signs of discomfort, or simply wanting to proactively avoid pain in your pelvis or lumbar

regions in the months ahead:

Massage: a pre-natal massage is the best way to treat back pain during your pregnancy. The difference

between traditional Swedish massages and ones designed for a pregnant woman, is that the focus is on areas

of the body affected by increased hormone levels. Helping with blood circulation, and muscle aches associated

with anxiety, depression, and discomfort, massage therapies can ease pain, increase posture, and help to be

more mobile and productive during pregnancy. Deep tissue techniques in the lower back and lower abdominal

massages near the front pelvic regions can target pain and allow new and expecting moms the comfort and

escape they deserve.

Chiropractor: because of the changes in your body, the excess weight you’re not used to carrying, and the

unfamiliar ways these factors are playing in the way you sit, stand, and shift your body weight, seeing a

chiropractor who can help your back and pelvic area through stretches and various manipulations, your body

can experience great relief. Discuss your pregnancy and course of treatment when visiting a chiropractor to

be sure you are comfortable with the treatment; remember, this should be used as a preventative, healing, and

pain management technique that gives you comfort and spoils you. If having your back cracked stresses you

out, seek out other ways to pamper yourself.

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Acupuncture: during the 2nd and 3rd trimester as well as post-partum are the best times to seek the guidance

of an acupuncturist. With the focused approach to healing and pain management, acupuncture has proven to

help women get rid of or reduce back pain and other pains associated with pregnancy, while being pampered

in a nearly meditative state.

Baths: for decades there’s been a controversy of whether or not pregnant woman should take baths. The most

highly accepted verdict is that yes, while pregnant you can take a bath just as long as the water is warm rather

than hot and you do not soak for an extended period of time. Periodic baths with natural oils, herbs, and scrubs

can help alleviate some of the pain felt in your back and also encourage relaxation and stress-reduction.

Yoga: sure, exercise isn’t exactly everyone’s idea of pampering, but yoga is very different from traditional

exercise. Yoga allows you to stretch and cater to your body’s well-being through various poses that enhance

posture and reduce stress. Yoga can be a pregnant woman’s best friend, and in terms of pampering yourself,

allowing yourself to have time dedicated to your own health and comfort each day should be convincing

enough.

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6.3 Cool your heartburn

Heartburn plagues a large number of soon to be mothers, but it doesn’t have to be a side effect of pregnancy

that goes untreated. In short, heartburn is a burning sensation and irritation that affects the esophagus due to

stomach acid reflux. Many individuals, men and women alike, experience bouts of heartburn as a result of

something they ate or indigestion conditions. However, during pregnancy, a larger number of women who

may not normally experience heartburn will fall victim to it. Like everything else endured during pregnancy,

hormone levels have a tendency to affect the reaction of muscles within the digestive tract. Also, since the

uterus is enlarged, the abdominal area becomes heavily crowded, offering less space for acids to travel, causing

them to be pushed back up the esophageal tract.

While simple solutions like eating slowly, avoiding spicy foods, sipping liquids rather than gulping them, and

avoiding lying down soon after eating are practical pieces of advice, some pampering methods can also aid in

the experience of heartburn.

Abdominal massages: a belly massage is a great way to redistribute stomach acids and get your body to

experience calming effects associated with stress reduction.

Acupuncture: much like back pain, acupuncture can treat internal issues with how your body processes food

and the acid flow that leads to heartburn.

Buy new clothes: a great way to treat yourself during pregnancy is to ramp up your wardrobe purchases with

loose fitting, comfortable fabrics that will help irritate or altogether avoid restrictions associated with

heartburn.

Visit and speak to your doctor: a little indigestion is normal, but if you’re experiencing extreme pain or

discomfort or are concerned, the best way to spoil yourself is to take the simple and rational steps to self-care

by meeting with and discussing with your doctor.

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6.4 Constipated?

Those pesky pregnancy hormones have more ways to wreak havoc on your pregnant body, and unfortunately,

it’s not pleasant. Experiencing constipation, or the inability to experience a bowel movement, can be

uncomfortable, painful, and frustrating, much like that of heartburn. Similar to heartburn, having pre-natal

massages, acupuncture treatments specifically targeting your problem areas, and eating a balanced diet high

in fiber can help get things moving, so to speak. However, when it comes to a topic that many women are

embarrassed to talk about, there are very simple ways to treat your constipation at home or with the help of a

professional.

Get moving: sitting on the couch waiting for a bathroom break isn’t going to get you or your stomach

anywhere. Instead, focus on healthy moving and light exercise that keeps your body moving and will naturally

encourage the movement of fluids from your body, including your bowels. Keep hydrated, busy, and distracted

by doing things you love that will keep your mind off of your potty time in order to eventually combat your

obstacles.

Rest and warmth: allow yourself to lay down during bouts of constipation with a lightly heated (not hot)

heating pad on your lower abdomen, to bring relief.

Colonics: a less conventional method, but one that proves to be successful in moving things along is that of a

colon cleanse. Safe for women between 3-6 months of pregnancy and several weeks post-pregnancy, the colon

is cleansed, ridding all waste from the body and lightening your body in all chemicals and toxins. It will no

longer be difficult to use the bathroom after undergoing a colon cleanse, though this must be used sparingly

whether pregnant or not.