The numerous benefits of collagen during pregnancy and postpartum

The pregnancy collagen is an essential topic for expectant mothers 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 the skin, hair, nails, and joints. During pregnancy, its importance should not be underestimated.

To discover the best dietary supplement options, explore our hydrolyzed collagen treatments 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, consult our complete guide.

Role and importance of collagen for pregnancy

During pregnancy, pregnancy 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. 

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

Improvement of skin elasticity

During pregnancy, the skin undergoes significant stretching, which can lead to the appearance of stretch marks. The pregnancy collagen plays an essential 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 suppleness and resilience, thereby reducing the risk of stretch marks. Appropriate supplementation can also support skin hydration, providing firmer and smoother skin throughout pregnancy.

Joint support and pain reduction

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 strength of joints. Research shows that supplementation with hydrolyzed collagen can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility, thus allowing expectant mothers to better manage these daily pains.

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 baby's development. Pregnancy collagen is a valuable asset, as it provides essential elements like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which contribute to 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, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of the expectant mother.

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 strength. 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 collagen deficiency can lead to premature softening of the cervix, increasing the risk of premature birth. Studies have shown that excessive degradation of collagen due to certain matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can promote premature opening of the cervix. Thus, sufficient collagen intake, coupled with optimal hormonal regulation, helps prevent premature deliveries.

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 joints, 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.

• Pregnancy collagen powder: Easily dissolves in drinks and foods, offering a convenient solution to incorporate collagen into the daily diet of expectant mothers.

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

Which 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, 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 thanks to 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, thereby reducing the appearance of stretch marks.

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

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

Suitable for daily consumption, it is recommended to include Pro-Collagen New Skin in a wellness routine to maximize its benefits during and after pregnancy.

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

The Absolu de Collagène 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 rapid and effective absorption, maximizing the benefits of collagen daily.

Thanks to its highly concentrated formulation, this supplement:

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

• Supports 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 shot is an ideal solution for expectant and new mothers wishing 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. Every pregnancy is unique, and medical supervision will ensure that collagen suits 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 choose bovine or plant-based collagen and check the product's composition.

Can collagen be taken 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 opt for pure collagen, without additives or controversial ingredients.

Can it be consumed during 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, see our detailed article.

Dietary supplements

Dietary supplements represent a convenient method to incorporate collagen into the daily routine. They are available in powder, tablet, and capsule forms.

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, consult our dedicated guide.

Collagen-based care for pregnant women

During pregnancy, the skin undergoes many changes due to hormonal variations and progressive stretching. Collagen, incorporated into suitable treatments, helps preserve its elasticity and strength.

• Belly 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 facial skin can become more sensitive and prone to hormonal imbalances. Treatments containing collagen promote hydration, firmness, and radiance of the skin.

• Body care: Lotions and creams enriched with collagen deeply nourish the skin, providing it with suppleness and firmness throughout pregnancy.

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

Fabric repair

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

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

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

Ligament recovery

During pregnancy, hormones, especially relaxin, cause the ligaments to loosen 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 ligament recovery by promoting their firming and elasticity. It also contributes to cartilage regeneration and joint strengthening, thereby limiting postpartum pain. 

When combined with a balanced diet and gentle physical activity, such as postnatal yoga or pelvic floor rehabilitation, collagen plays a key role in overall fitness 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 get the most out of it, it is essential to choose high-quality collagen supplements from safe sources and without 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.