Hair Loss During Pregnancy

Pregnant women experience a range of potentially embarrassing health concerns, including increased body hair, sweating and constipation, according to a poll.

Some are also confused about what food to eat and whether it is safe to have sex, drink alcohol or get on a plane during pregnancy.

The survey of 1,303 mothers and pregnant women found that almost half (42%) had experienced memory loss while 41% had suffered bladder weakness.

Four in 10 (40%) had experienced mood swings, 34% constipation, 32% pregnancy-related wind, 25% random breast leakage, 21% increased body hair and 14% excessive sweating.

A total of 13% had developed acne during pregnancy, 12% had had stronger body odour than normal and 9% had suffered hair loss.

The survey, for the charity Tommy's and Johnson's Baby, also found that 45% of women had received conflicting advice about pregnancy.

Four in 10 (40%) were confused about what foods were safe to eat, 29% were unsure if they could dye their hair, 31% did not know which prescription drugs were safe to take and 22% were unaware of safe exercises.

A total of 15% were confused by how much alcohol, if any, they could drink while pregnant, 15% did not know if it was safe to fly and 7% were unsure about sex in pregnancy.

One in 20 women (5%) did not understand why they needed to take folic acid in the first 12 weeks.

Overall, 34% of women felt embarrassed by elements of their pregnancy.