Collagen supplements are known to help with hair growth and skin elasticity, but with the thick, glossy hair and glowing skin that pregnancy blesses you with, why are pregnant women taking collagen supplements?
Pregnancy comes with a lot of medical advice on which pregnancy vitaminsand supplements to take to boost your health and your baby's. But what about other supplements you might want to try that aren't on your midwife's recommended list?
Here's everything you need to know about collagen and whether it's safe to take when pregnant.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that helps with skin, joint, and muscle health and is known for promoting healthy hair. Many people take collagen supplements as they start getting older, as it is said to reduce wrinkles, bone muscle mass, and joint function.
What are the benefits of collagen during pregnancy?
Taking collagen supplements can be helpful during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women can experience brittle hair and even hair loss, so collagen supplements can help restore hair back to health. It's important to remember, however, that supplements work best as part of a good, healthy diet - not as a replacement for one.
It's a natural protein
Collagen is a natural protein your body produces, making it a key component of your skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues.
Increased protein needs
During pregnancy, your body's demand for protein increases significantly to support the baby's growth. Collagen can be an excellent way to help meet those increased needs. While experts suggest that women should consume an average of 70-100 grams of protein a day when pregnant, there can be many reasons why women may not meet these guidelines. This could include food aversions, a vegan or vegetarian diet, or having a low pre-pregnancy BMI.
Joint health
Collagen supports joint health during pregnancy by strengthening the ligaments and cartilage that cushion joints and carry the increased weight of your growing baby. The much-needed protein can help alleviate joint pain and maintain mobility.
Skin benefits
During pregnancy, collagen helps maintain skin elasticity by allowing it to stretch and remain resilient as your body changes, grows and expands. This may also help stretch marks.
The postpartum benefits of taking them can also help with skin elasticity, helping to tighten the skin on the stomach. It's also known for improving mood and reducing anxiety, which can help to reduce the chance of suffering from postnatal depression.
While there are many benefits, nurse and midwife Professor Gina Awoko Higginbottom explains why it isn't always needed when you're expecting. "The good news for pregnant women is that the naturally occurring and increasing pregnancy hormones create many benefits. For many women, they experience increased hair growth and the 'glow of pregnancy', so additional supplements are not necessarily needed." She advises always consulting your doctor or midwife before taking any supplements, including collagen.
Is collagen safe to take when pregnant?
Yes, collagen supplements are generally considered safe if taken in the correct dosage and according to a doctor's advice. Most experts and doctors would encourage sticking to a healthy diet, including salmon, eggs, lean meats, beans, lentils, tofu, dark leafy greens, soybeans and seeds.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any of the products listed below.
The best collagen supplements to buy
www.hollandandbarrett.com
These supplements are easy to add to your daily routine, last three months, and you only need to take two a day. They can help provide you with more energy while restoring brittle hair to a stronger form. One reviewer said, "I haven’t been taking these tablets for very long at all, but I can see a great difference in my skin and even left the house this week with zero make-up on for the first time in years. A great purchase and love that you can upgrade to a bigger size and save some pennies."
www.absolutecollagen.com
This oral liquid supplement is infused with Vitamin C and even free from lactose, gluten and dairy. It helps to boost energy levels and promote stronger and faster-growing hair. One recent purchaser said, "I have been using this product for nearly two weeks and have been amazed at the difference in such a short time. Overall, my skin looks plumper, and I've noticed a huge nail improvement. The texture is smoother, and the dry ridges are receding. Hair is good too. I can't speak highly enough about this product I will definitely be ordering a repeat order."
www.sainsburys.co.uk
A delicious berry-flavoured drink that helps to top up your collagen levels. Skin can lose some of its natural elasticity and hydration, and just popping one tablet into a glass of water a day will help contribute to normal skin function, giving back your radiance.
Collagen Complex naturally increases collagen intake and protects cells. Made from 50 per cent organic ingredients, it's free from artificial additives and will help you reclaim your glow. One recent review said, "A great, super product. I've been taking the powder collagen now for about 6 months, maybe more, and my skin is better than it's been for years."
www.hollandandbarrett.com
This unflavoured collagen powder comes unflavored, and you can easily add it into coffee, smoothies, tea, milk, and other recipes. Each serving offers up 10g of high-quality bovine collagen, favoured for how easily it is absorbed and digested in our bodies. One review said, "My nails were weak, brittle and flaky due to the combination of years of biting, my age and wearing acrylics in the past. After using this supplement, they have grown well and are visibly stronger with hardly any flaking. My skin is brighter and feels great."
www.planetorganic.com
This dreamy collagen cacao mix puts a new twist on hot chocolates, helping nourish your joints, hair, skin and soul. Just add one heaped tablespoon mixed into hot water or milk is a refreshing alternative to collagen tablets or liquids.
AmazonThe brand launched its vegan collagen in 2024, and it features a delicious, vibrant berry blend of raspberry. It works in synergy with vitamin C to protect cells from oxidative stress generated by harmful free radicals. If you want to nourish your skin from within, this could be for you. It's also rich in prebiotic fibre to support digestive function and gut microbiome and an excellent source of protein for muscle tone, body conditioning and sustained fasting. No wonder Davina McCall is a fan! One review said, "I discovered Ancient + Brave's Radiant last year after my mum started using the marine version. As a vegan, I opted for this plant-based alternative. The berry flavour is delicious, and I've seen real improvements in my skin and nails. It's packed with collagen-boosting nutrients and prebiotic fibre, fitting perfectly into my lifestyle. The company's values are a great plus too."
This collagen powder quickly dissolves in cold water with no lumps, clumps, or residue. Simply add to tea, coffee, juice, smoothies, or even stir into yoghurt, porridge, or soup. It contains more than 97 per cent protein and high levels of the eight essential Amino acids.
One recent review said, "I've been using this collagen for just over two weeks now, and it has worked wonders for my hair and nails. My nails are really strong and have grown so much. I've also noticed my hair has been a lot healthier. I don't see lots of clumps after a shower or brushing my hair, and it has a nice, healthy shine."
About the author
Samantha Ball is a Senior Writer for Mother&Baby, having written for the brand since 2018. She's a mum of three aged eight, three and three months old. She loves searching for the best and current trending products for little ones. She loves to bake, but spends most of her free time between football and ballet classes.