Any Way to Prevent Hair Loss from Pregnancy?

I understand that you have answered questions about pregnancy and hair loss but I was wondering what preventive measure I can take to avoid prolonged hair loss or hair thinning as I already have thin hair.

I am 23 years old and nine months pregnant and I have wonderfully thick hair right now, due mostly to the lack of hair loss that pregnancy can cause and also, I think, to the daily prenatal vitamins I have taken, since I never used any before. My older sister started her family at age 29 and after each of her four children experienced about 6 months of hair thinning and loss. Our family has thin hair already, so I’d like to avoid this as much as possible.

I plan on breastfeeding which is supposed to help limit hair loss. Are there any vitamins, minerals, treatments, foods or natural methods to encourage hair growth or prevent hair loss in the year following pregnancy? [Note: I’m not going to ‘stop having kids’ so I’ll use your advice after future pregnancies too :)]

There is little that can be done to prevent pregnancy related hair loss. Fortunately, it does not happen to most women. It is normal, though. You can learn more at the American Pregnancy Association.

Unrelated to your question though, I wish you good luck and hope everyone is happy and healthy.