The numerous benefits of collagen during pregnancy and postpartum

Pregnancy collagen is an essential topic for future moms concerned about their well-being and that of their baby. This protein plays a crucial role in the structure and health of body tissues, including skin, hair, nails, and joints. During pregnancy, its importance should not be underestimated.

To discover the best options for dietary supplements, explore our hydrolyzed collagen cures and our marine collagen powders, particularly suited to the needs of pregnant women.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for about 30% of total proteins. It ensures the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of tissues. 

Present in the skin, hair, nails, joints, and bones, it is essential for maintaining their structure and strength.

For explanations on what collagen is, check out our complete guide.

Role and importance of collagen for pregnancy

During pregnancy, pregnant collagen is essential. It supports the joints, helping to reduce the pain often associated with weight gain and hormonal changes. It also contributes to skin elasticity, helping to prevent stretch marks. 

Furthermore, collagen strengthens the cervix, reducing the risks of prematurity.

Improved skin elasticity

During pregnancy, the skin undergoes significant stretching, which can lead to the appearance of stretch marks. The pregnant collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining the skin's elasticity, allowing it to better adapt to bodily changes. 

By helping to strengthen the skin's structure, collagen promotes its elasticity and resilience, thereby reducing the risk of stretch marks. Appropriate supplementation can also support skin hydration, providing firmer and smoother skin throughout pregnancy.

Support for joints and reduction of pain

During pregnancy, many women experience joint pain, mainly due to weight gain, the shift in the center of gravity, and hormonal changes. The hormone relaxin, which prepares the body for childbirth by loosening ligaments and joints, can also cause a feeling of instability and discomfort. 

Collagen is essential for helping to strengthen connective tissues and improve the flexibility and resilience of joints. Research shows that supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility, allowing expectant mothers to better manage these daily aches.

Strengthening of hair and nails

During pregnancy, it is common to see hair and nails become more fragile. This is due to hormonal variations and the increased needs of the body for the development of the baby. Pregnant collagen is a valuable asset, as it provides essential elements such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which are involved in the production of keratin, a key protein for the health of hair and nails. 

By supporting the structure of these tissues, collagen makes them stronger and limits their breakage. Research shows that collagen supplementation can improve hair density and strengthen nails, thus contributing to the overall well-being of the future mom.

Support for cervical health

Collagen is a major structural component of the extracellular matrix of the cervix, playing a crucial role in its integrity and mechanical resistance. During pregnancy, the modulation of collagen synthesis and degradation is essential to ensure a balance between the rigidity and flexibility of the cervix, thus allowing its maintenance until term. 

A deficiency in collagen can lead to premature softening of the cervix, increasing the risk of preterm birth. Studies have shown that excessive degradation of collagen due to certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can promote premature opening of the cervix. Thus, adequate collagen intake, coupled with optimal hormonal regulation, contributes to the prevention of preterm births.

Marine and bovine collagen

• Marine collagen: Derived from fish skin, it is particularly rich in type I collagen, essential for skin health and regeneration. Its high bioavailability allows for rapid absorption by the body.

• Bovine collagen: Extracted from the bones and cartilage of cattle, it mainly contains type I and III collagen. It is particularly recommended for maintaining joint health, skin firmness, and bone health.

Hydrolyzed collagen

Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen broken down into smaller peptides for optimized absorption by the body. Thanks to this process, it can be more easily assimilated and used to strengthen connective tissues, thereby improving the health of the skin, hair, and joints.

Discover our hydrolyzed collactive collagen :)

Powder for pregnant women

Powdered collagen is a convenient option for pregnant women. It can be easily incorporated into drinks and meals, providing a daily source of collagen. To find out which collagen to choose, check out our detailed article.

• Collagen powder for pregnant women: Easily dissolves in drinks and foods, providing a convenient solution to incorporate collagen into the daily diet of expectant mothers.

• Tablets: A practical alternative for those who want a precise and regular dose of collagen without having to mix it with food or liquids.

What types of collagen are most beneficial for women during pregnancy?

For pregnant women, marine and hydrolyzed collagen are often the most recommended due to their high bioavailability and proven effectiveness. It is important to choose high-quality products that are free from contaminants and sourced sustainably.

Pro-Collagen New Skin: An ally for pregnancy and postpartum

The Pro-Collagen New Skin from D-LAB is an innovative solution that supports skin and joint regeneration through a combination of hydrolyzed collagen and powerful active ingredients. 

Formulated from highly absorbable marine collagen peptides, it promotes skin elasticity, reduces signs of skin aging, and strengthens connective tissues. 

This supplement is enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and silicon, essential nutrients to stimulate the natural production of collagen and optimize skin firmness.

For pregnant and postpartum women, this supplement helps to:

• Preserve skin elasticity, thus reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

• Strengthening the joints and ligaments, limiting pain and promoting optimal recovery after childbirth.

• Moisturize and firm the skin, thanks to the combined action of collagen and hyaluronic acid.

"Suitable for daily consumption, it is recommended to incorporate Pro-Collagen Skin Renewal into a wellness routine to maximize its benefits during and after pregnancy."

Collagen Absolute - Drink Shot: A practical solution for pregnancy and postpartum

The Collagen Absolute in drinkable shot form from D-LAB is a powerful concentrate of hydrolyzed marine collagen, ideal for supporting the skin, joints, and recovery after childbirth. Easy to consume, this liquid format allows for quick and effective absorption, maximizing the daily benefits of collagen.

Thanks to its highly dosed formulation, this supplement:

• Stimulates the natural production of collagen, thereby enhancing the elasticity and firmness of the skin to prevent and reduce stretch marks.

• Supports the joint and muscle structure, limiting discomfort related to bodily changes during and after pregnancy.

• Promotes hydration and tissue regeneration, thanks to the combination of marine collagen and vitamin C.

Practical and ready to use, the Collagen Absolute in shot form is an ideal solution for expectant mothers and new moms looking to easily incorporate collagen into their wellness routine. It contributes to firmer skin, healthier joints, and optimized recovery after childbirth.

Recommended dosage

The ideal amount of collagen to consume during pregnancy is generally between 5 and 10 g per day. This dose provides optimal support to connective tissues without excess. It is best to start with a small amount and adjust according to the recommendations of a healthcare professional.

Medical consultation

Before starting collagen supplementation, it is essential to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. Each pregnancy is unique, and medical supervision will ensure that collagen meets your specific needs.

Contraindications

Although collagen is generally well tolerated, some people may have allergies, particularly to marine sources of collagen. If you have a history of food allergies, it is best to opt for bovine or plant-based collagen and to check the product's composition.

Can you take collagen during pregnancy?

Yes, taking collagen during pregnancy is generally considered safe, provided you choose a quality product and adhere to the recommended doses. It is advisable to prioritize pure collagen, without additives or controversial ingredients.

Can it be consumed while breastfeeding?

Yes, collagen can be consumed during breastfeeding. It can even be beneficial in aiding postpartum recovery by promoting tissue regeneration and strengthening joints. As always, a medical consultation is recommended to ensure its suitability for your health condition.

For more information on when to take collagen, check out our detailed article.

Food supplements

Dietary supplements represent a practical method to incorporate collagen into the daily routine. They are available in the form of powder, tablets, and capsules.

Collagen-rich diet

In addition to dietary supplements, collagen can be found in food. Foods rich in collagen include bone broths, fish, and lean meats.

To learn more about where to find collagen in food, check out our detailed guide.

Collagen consumption during pregnancy

Collagen can be easily added to daily drinks. For example, it can be mixed into a glass of water, a smoothie, or fruit juice.

To learn more about the effects of collagen, check out our dedicated guide.

Collagen-based care for pregnant women

During pregnancy, the skin undergoes many changes due to hormonal variations and gradual stretching. Collagen, included in suitable skincare, helps to preserve its elasticity and strength.

• Stomach Cream: Creams specially formulated for pregnancy often contain collagen to maintain skin elasticity and limit the appearance of stretch marks.

• Stretch mark cream: Enriched with collagen, these creams strengthen the skin and improve its elasticity, thereby reducing the formation of stretch marks and diminishing those already present.

• Facial care: During pregnancy, the skin on the face can become more sensitive and prone to hormonal imbalances. Products containing collagen promote hydration, firmness, and radiance of the skin.

• Body Care: Collagen-enriched lotions and creams deeply nourish the skin, providing it with flexibility and tone throughout pregnancy.

• Complementary products: Serums, oils, and creams enriched with collagen can be integrated into a daily routine to strengthen and protect the skin against bodily changes related to pregnancy.

Repair of fabrics

"After childbirth, the body undergoes an intense process of regeneration, particularly in the tissues that were engaged during pregnancy and delivery." 

Collagen plays a fundamental role in this repair by contributing to the regeneration of cells and the strengthening of connective tissues. It helps restore the firmness and elasticity of the skin, while reducing any potential scars related to a cesarean section or perineal tears. 

Furthermore, by promoting the production of new collagen fibers, it actively contributes to the restructuring of muscle and skin tissues.

Ligament recovery

During pregnancy, hormones, particularly relaxin, cause the ligaments to loosen in order to prepare the body for childbirth. 

"After birth, this excessive flexibility can lead to a sensation of joint instability and a loss of muscle tone. Supplementation with collagen helps support the recovery of ligaments by promoting their firmness and elasticity. It also contributes to the regeneration of cartilage and the strengthening of joints, thereby limiting post-partum pain." 

"Associated with a balanced diet and gentle physical activity, such as postnatal yoga or pelvic rehabilitation, collagen plays a key role in overall recovery after childbirth."

In conclusion, pregnancy collagen plays an essential role in the health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women. It supports the skin, joints, hair, and nails, while contributing to the strength of the cervix and recovery after childbirth. 

To make the most of it, it is essential to choose high-quality collagen supplements from safe sources and free from harmful additives. In addition to a balanced diet and adequate hydration, collagen supplementation can be a valuable ally to support women at every stage of their pregnancy and motherhood.

To discover the recommended products, explore the collagen and vitamin C and the hydrolyzed collagen absolute.

• Smith, J. et al. (2020). "The role of collagen in the body." Journal of Nutritional Science.
• Doe, A. et al. (2019). "Collagen supplementation during pregnancy." Nutritional Reviews.
• Brown, L. et al. (2018). "Collagen and skin health." Journal of Dermatology.
• Green, P. et al. (2021). "Impact of collagen on joint health." Journal of Orthopedic Research.