How to Make Your Baby’s Hair Grow During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, one of the most important things that you can do is eat healthy foods for optimal physical and brain development of your baby. What you eat in the nine months of your pregnancy decides your baby’s health. But then there are some foods that can help in the baby’s hair growth also. If you’re a mum-to-be and want to know how you can make the baby’s hair grow during pregnancy, then we have all the information you need.
When Does a Foetus’ Hair Start Growing?
A baby’s hair starts growing in the womb when the woman is between 14th and 15th week of her pregnancy, and the hair growth takes place in two cycles – shedding and then regrowing. All the follicles appear by now, and no new follicle grows after the birth of the baby.
Foods for Baby Hair Growth During Pregnancy
The hormone estrogen is primarily responsible for hair growth in the fetus. Some foods that make fetus hair grow are:
1. Eggs
Protein helps in hair growth and eggs are a rich source of protein. Hence, including eggs in your pregnancy diet can help in the baby’s hair growth.
2. Fish
Fish provide omega 3 and 6 fatty acids to the body which are known to improve hair growth. While fish may help in hair growth, but during pregnancy, you must be careful with regards to including fish in your diet as not all fish are safe for consumption while pregnant. If you want to eat fish in pregnancy, we suggest that you first confirm with your nutritionist or gynaecologist.
3. Yellow and Orange Fruits
Fruits rich in Vitamin A are also known to boost hair growth. So include yellow fruits in your diet.
4. Nuts
Nuts are a healthy snack that should be part of your pregnancy diet. Eating nuts and dried fruits will provide you with energy and will be good for your baby’s health too. Nuts are also rich in fibre, minerals, and protein, all of which are good for hair growth.
FAQs
1. Can Babies Ingest the Hair in the Womb?
The lanugo, a soft hair covering that keeps the baby warm, grows when the baby is in the womb. It sheds off as the pregnancy advances, and if ingested by the baby, it comes out in the form of her first poop.
2. Does Heartburn Mean My Baby Has Hair?
Interestingly fetal hair growth and heartburn go hand in hand. The hormone estrogen which is responsible for the growth of hair also relaxes the muscle in the thorax region causing heartburn.
Though hair growth in babies depends on their genes. As a mother, you can eat healthy, nutritious food to improve your unborn baby’s hair growth. You should also try to remain stress-free during your pregnancy as stress can affect your baby’s growth adversely.
Also Read:
Foetal Echocardiography
How to Discover Baby’s Positions in the Womb
Foetal Development Growth in First, Second and Third Trimester