Boost your pregnancy with collagen

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Why collagen?

When you’re pregnant, your body is basically working overtime, transforming into a life-support system for your sweet little bundle. Enter collagen—the most abundant protein in our bodies. It forms a key part of our skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints.

During pregnancy, collagen may help:

• Support skin elasticity (hello, stretching belly).
• Maintain hair and nail strength, which can fluctuate wildly thanks to hormones.
• Keep joints feeling more comfortable under extra baby weight.

And while collagen isn’t a magic wand—(we wish it would wave away morning sickness)—it could be a helpful piece of your overall prenatal wellness puzzle.

The Benefits of collagen in pregnancy

1. Potentially reduced stretch marks
   Some moms-to-be find that collagen’s role in skin elasticity can be an ally in minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s not a guaranteed fix, but every little bit helps!

2. Hair & nail health
   Pregnancy hormones can make your hair luscious—or leave it feeling brittle. Collagen is often touted for aiding hair and nail health, helping you feel a bit more like yourself during this roller-coaster ride of body changes.

3. Joint support
   As your baby bump grows, so does the strain on your knees and hips (they have their own pregnancy workout!). Collagen’s amino acids may help support overall joint comfort.

4. Postpartum recovery
   Pregnancy and childbirth can be tough on your body. Collagen may be beneficial in supporting tissue repair and overall recovery after your little one arrives.

Remember: These potential benefits aren’t bulletproof. Scientific studies on collagen in pregnancy are still growing, so keep your healthcare provider in the loop.

What to look for in a collagen supplement

1. Clean sourcing
   Look for grass-fed, pasture-raised, or wild-caught sources. Labels like “non-GMO” or “third-party tested” often indicate a higher-quality product.

2. Type I & III collagen
   These types are most frequently associated with hair, skin, and nail health. A multi-collagen blend (Types I, II, III, V, and X) can broaden the benefits, but for pregnancy-specific concerns, Types I and III usually top the list.

3. Minimal fillers
   Watch out for added sugars, flavors, or sweeteners. The fewer the extras, the better—especially if you’re trying to keep an eye on sugar intake.

4. Taste & mix-ability
   Let’s be honest: If it tastes funky or clumps, you won’t use it. Read the reviews to see how it blends into drinks or smoothies.

5. Talk to your doctor
   Even if the label reads “perfect for pregnancy,” always double-check with your OB-GYN or midwife. They know your health history and can advise you best.

Top 5 collagen supplements for expecting moms

1. Needed Collagen Protein

• Why moms love it:
  Specially formulated with pregnant and breastfeeding women in mind. They emphasize high-quality sourcing and a minimal-ingredient profile. Often recommended by prenatal nutrition experts and registered dietitians.
  
  
• What to Note:
  • Mixes easily into smoothies, soups, or coffee.
  • Great pick if you want a product tailored specifically to prenatal/postnatal needs.
    
    
• Shop:
  • Needed Collagen Protein on Amazon

2. Protiva Collagen

• Why Moms Love It
  Protiva is another brand zeroing in on pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Some hospitals even recommend it for helping with tissue repair after childbirth.
  
  
• What to Note
  • Often includes additional nutrients designed to support postpartum healing.
  • Great if you’re focused on the recovery phase.
    
    
• Shop
  • Protiva Collagen on Amazon

3. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides

• Why moms love it:
  Vital Proteins is a well-known favorite. Their Collagen Peptides come from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine, and they’re free of artificial ingredients.
  
  
• What to note
  • Not pregnancy-specific, but widely trusted for general collagen supplementation.
  • Unflavored option is great for hot or cold drinks.
    
    
• Shop
  • Vital Proteins Collagen on Amazon

4. Sports Research Collagen Peptides

• Why moms love it
  Sports Research offers non-GMO, gluten-free collagen peptides that actually blend without clumping. 
  
  
• What to note
  • Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised cattle.
  • Popular among athletes and non-athletes alike.
    
    
• Shop
  • Sports Research Collagen Peptides on Amazon

5. Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

• Why moms love it
  This brand packs multiple collagen types (I, II, III, V, and X) from various sources (bovine, chicken, fish, and eggshell membrane), giving you a broad-spectrum approach.
  
  
• What to note
  • Available in different flavors (unflavored, vanilla, chocolate), which may help with variety if you’re feeling “meh” about plain.
  • Check with your doctor, as it’s not specifically labeled for pregnancy.
    
    
• Shop
  • Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen on Amazon

Final thoughts

Collagen isn’t a miracle cure for every pregnancy woe—unfortunately, it won’t make morning sickness disappear or guarantee zero stretch marks. But it can be a worthwhile ally if you’re looking to support skin elasticity, joint comfort, and general wellness.

Just remember:

• Always consult your healthcare provider first.
• Start with a small serving to see how your body responds.
• Keep listening to your body—it’s the best barometer of what works for you.

Here’s to a glowier, more comfortable pregnancy (with or without lumps in your smoothie)!

The content on Awaiting the Stork™ is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional to address your unique health needs and circumstances.