When you are pregnant, your entire physical and mental health changes and adapts to nurture and support the growth of the baby. During this time, the raging hormones place stress on the skin, joints, and connective tissues. The pressure increases on connective tissues, resulting in skin stretching, joints shifting, the placenta and foetal membranes changing their shape as the uterus expands.



But how does collagen help with this transformation? Collagen, the body's most abundant protein, supports the connective tissues, cardiovascular system, skeleton, skin, and metabolism. Adequate collagen intake helps keep skin plump, lubricate joints, strengthen hair, support bones, the digestive system, and provide overall comfort.



What is Collagen?Collagen is a fibrous structural protein that the body produces naturally to provide strength, stability, and elasticity to the skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. The body produces sufficient collagen before age 25. However, collagen production decreases at the rate of 1.5% per year after age 25. By age 45, collagen levels may have declined by 30%.



There are more than 28 recognised types of collagen, and each is found in different parts of the body, performing specific functions.

• Type I: Helps treat wounds and hold bones and muscles together. It is found in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and heart.
• Type II: Aids in lubricating the joints, and is found in cartilage and connective tissues
• Type III: Helps maintain the elasticity and firmness of the skin and can be found in the heart and skin.
• Type IV: Important for lining the digestive and respiratory organs.
• Type V and VI: It appears in connective tissues and supports hair growth and new bones.

How Pregnancy Impacts Collagen Levels NaturallyDuring pregnancy, the body's demand for collagen increases to support foetal growth and the mother’s health. Here are a few ways pregnancy affects the collagen level:

• Estrogen increases collagen type I and III in skin and uterus
• Progesterone remodels the cervical collagen for labour
• Collagen breakdown remodels the connective tissues to lose the ligaments of the pelvic floor for childbirth
• Collagen synthesis helps support skin stretching without injuries or tearing.
• Increased water retention and blood volume work well with collagen and help maintain skin elasticity and moisture
• After birth, excess collagen in the uterus breaks down to return to its pre-pregnancy state
• Pregnancy reduces the cervical collagen to support dilation and effacement (expanding and softening)

Collagen’s Role in Foetal and Tissue DevelopmentA baby's growth depends on the mother's placenta, membranes and umbilical cord. Collagen plays a crucial role in strengthening the nutrient exchange and foetal development. Throughout the pregnancy, the baby must grow and stretch its skin, for which collagen plays a pivotal role by contributing amino acids.



A baby synthesises its own collagen to form bones, skin, connective tissues, and organs. However, the mother’s amino acids are still important for foetal tissue architecture.



Disruption in collagen is associated with immune tolerance failure, implantation issues, and abnormal remodelling. Decreased collagen may result in premature birth, premature rupture of membranes or miscarriage. Excessive collagen breakdown may impair spiral artery remodelling, placental vascular remodelling, and blood flow.



Benefits for MothersCollagen, which is already present and produced in every part of your body, can help improve the way your skin and body function when consumed properly during pregnancy. Here are a few benefits of collagen for pregnant women:

• Skin Elasticity and Stretch Marks: A major concern for women during pregnancy is the development of stretch marks that come from the expansion of the abdomen, breasts, and hips. Collagen maintains skin elasticity and reduces tearing, stretching, and scarring.
• Hydration: Hormonal shifts directly disrupt the skin structure, alter its texture, and cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull. Collagen helps boost water retention and lock moisture into the skin cells, resulting in plump and glowing skin.
• Pelvic Support: During pregnancy, the hormone relaxin weakens the ligaments and connective tissues, particularly in the pelvic floor, hips, and lower back. The growing uterus and extra weight can alter your posture and put stress on joints and connective tissues. Collagen helps strengthen connective tissue, reducing pain and discomfort.
• Heal wounds: The intense, hard work during normal delivery may result in perineal tearing. Collagen plays a crucial role in healing cesarean wounds, perineal tears, and tissue repair.
• Gut Health: Collagen maintains gut lining with amino acids (glycine and glutamine), supports better nutrient absorption by breaking down carbs and protein, and eases indigestion, bloating, and acid reflux, which are common pregnancy discomforts.

Natural Sources to Take Your Collagen FromDoctors might recommend collagen supplements. However, prioritising natural sources helps absorb the nutrients better and faster. Here are a few foods that are loaded with collagen and add to your balanced meal plate:

• Gelatin: Bone broth, jelly, agar agar, and gummies
• Vitamin C: Spinach, bell pepper, broccoli, citrus fruits, berries, kiwi, etc
• Protein: Legumes, organ meat, lean meats, nuts, seeds, egg, fish, etc.
• Amino acids: Quinoa, dairy, egg, tofu, tempeh, fish, etc.

Collagen, a buzzword often used in marketing and advertising, is also one of the most misunderstood supplements. Non-pregnant women may take collagen in topical creams or injections. However, pregnant women should be safe and always follow their doctor's recommendations. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are safe during pregnancy. Both excessive and reduced levels of collagen can pose a threat to both the mother and the baby. Recommended dosage is 5 to 15 grams per day.



Collagen not just maintains your skin, nails and hair. It plays a significant role in pregnant women. Collagen during pregnancy supports flexibility, joints, connective tissues, placenta, membrane, and vascular remodelling. Try to take collagen from natural or food sources. Collagen supplements are well paired with Vitamin C, amino acids, and mineral-rich foods.



Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.



FAQs on Supporting Skin, Joints And Baby: How Collagen Helps During Pregnancy

What are the side effects of collagen during pregnancy?

Collagen is safe and helps strengthen the pregnant woman and the growing baby. However, excessive collagen may result in nausea, constipation, indigestion, diarrhoea, and allergic reactions.

Can I take prenatal vitamins and collagen together?

Yes, it is safe to take prenatal vitamins and collagen together. However, if you face any reactions, try to allow a gap or consider taking collagen from natural sources.