Benefits of collagen in pregnant women

Collagen in pregnant women is, above all, a matter of nutrition, not of over-the-counter supplements. During pregnancy the body increases the demand for collagen to accompany the stretching of the skin of the abdomen and the breasts, and the changes in joints and ligaments that are getting ready for childbirth. The safest way to cover that demand is with good nutrition and with the prenatal supplements your doctor indicates. Over-the-counter collagen supplements, on the other hand, are not designed for this stage: the label of The Everyday Lab's Liquid Collagen Boost, for example, says not to use it during pregnancy. Here we explain why, what does help and at what moment collagen makes sense.

Why does the demand for collagen increase in pregnant women?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body: it is the scaffolding that gives firmness and resistance to the skin, cartilage, tendons and bones. During pregnancy three things happen at the same time:

• The skin of the abdomen and the breasts stretches at an accelerated pace, which demands more elasticity from the dermis.
• Pregnancy hormones relax the ligaments and joints to make room for the baby and prepare for childbirth.
• The body prioritizes its resources to support the baby's development, so the mother needs complete nutrition to cover everything.

Your body produces collagen on its own from the protein and vitamin C in the diet. That is why, in pregnancy, what makes the difference is not a bottle, but eating enough quality protein and the nutrients your doctor indicates.

Is collagen safe in pregnant women?

Two things that are often confused have to be separated:

The collagen in food —the one that comes from bone broth, meat, fish or chicken— is part of a normal diet and does not represent any problem. It is simply protein.

Over-the-counter collagen supplements are another story. They are not formulated for pregnancy, many combine other actives, and there is no solid evidence backing their use at this stage. That is why the responsible recommendation is not to take them on your own during pregnancy, and to always consult your doctor before adding any supplement to your prenatals. At The Everyday Lab we say it straight out: the label of the Liquid Collagen Boost says not to use it during pregnancy, and the Multi-Vitamin patch is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding either.

What collagen does NOT do in pregnancy

This part matters as much as the previous one, because exaggerated information abounds:

• It does not determine the baby's development. The baby builds its own collagen from the mother's general nutrition; no specific supplement "provides collagen to the baby". What supports development are the prenatals indicated by your doctor and a complete diet.
• It does not prevent stretch marks. Stretch marks depend above all on genetics and on how much and how fast the skin stretches. Good hydration and a diet with protein and vitamin C support elasticity, but no supplement avoids them completely.
• It is not an immune booster nor a painkiller. It does not strengthen the immune system nor "relieve" the joint pain of pregnancy. It is a food supplement, not a medicine, and it does not cure, treat or prevent any condition.

How to take care of your skin and your joints during pregnancy, safely

Without over-the-counter supplements, what you can do with backing:

• Enough protein at every meal: it is the brick with which your body makes its own collagen.
• Vitamin C daily: it is the mandatory cofactor of collagen synthesis. You find it in citrus fruits, kiwi, strawberry, bell pepper and guava.
• Hydration and sun protection: well-hydrated skin tolerates stretching better, and the sun is the factor that destroys the most collagen.
• Gentle movement authorized by your doctor, to take care of joints and back.

If you are worried about how your skin will end up, our guide on how to improve the appearance of your skin after pregnancy may be useful to you.

And after pregnancy? The postpartum period is collagen's moment

This is where collagen does make sense. After childbirth, the skin needs to recover firmness and the body enters a stage of reconstruction. Natural collagen production, moreover, starts to drop by around 1% a year from age 25, something we detail in collagen loss in human beings.

And in the postpartum period, as with any supplement, the route matters more than the milligrams. A sublingual collagen is used at close to 80%, because it enters the bloodstream directly under the tongue; one in powder or capsule form that goes through digestion is around 25%. For the intimate tissue, the vaginal route reaches 99%. You can see the evidence behind these figures in science and absorption.

When that moment comes, and always consulting your doctor if you are breastfeeding, these are The Everyday Lab's options:

• The Liquid Collagen Boost —150 mg of hydrolyzed collagen per 1.5 mL serving (30 drops)— sublingual collagen with hyaluronic acid, biotin and zinc, with 80% absorption. That combination (collagen hydrolyzed into small peptides + the sublingual route, which avoids digestion) is the reason for that 80%, up to 3 times that of a capsule. No mixing, no pills, in seconds.
• The Collagen Bundle — the sublingual one for general care plus the vaginal collagen (99% absorption) for intimate recovery.

When to consult your doctor

During pregnancy, consult before taking any supplement, including collagen. And seek care if you notice sudden swelling, intense itching of the skin, strong abdominal pain or any symptom that worries you. Your prenatal care is what rules; this article is guidance, not a substitute for that consultation.

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This content is informational and does not replace evaluation by a health professional. Food supplements are not medicines and do not cure, treat or prevent diseases. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting any supplement.

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