Introduction
Collagen is a fibrous protein that is found throughout the body, providing structure and strength to tissues, like skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It makes up about 30% of the total amount of protein in the human body.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, a mother's collagen needs increase significantly. This protein is not only important for the mother's health, but also directly impacts the development of the baby. Collagen is required for the development of the baby's skeletal system, connective tissues, and more. It also plays a key role in wound healing for the mother after childbirth.
Maintaining healthy collagen levels is very important for mothers during this special time. Supplementation can help restore collagen levels to meet the increased demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Collagen Changes During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time of extreme change for a woman's body. Hormonal shifts and the demands of carrying a developing baby lead to significant declines in collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength and elasticity to skin, hair, nails, bones, muscles and joints.
As collagen decreases, pregnant women may notice:
- Skin becoming drier and less supple, with more fine lines and stretch marks.
- Hair and nails growing more slowly and becoming more brittle.
- More aches and pains as tendons, ligaments and cartilage lose elasticity.
- Greater joint instability and bone/muscle weakness.
- Changes to teeth and gums.
By the third trimester, many women have visibly thinner skin, more cellulite, varicose veins, swollen feet and/or ankles, a weakened pelvic floor, and changes in posture. The hormonal component of collagen loss can continue during breastfeeding as well.
Supplementing with collagen can help combat these declines for improved skin, hair, nail, bone and muscle health throughout pregnancy and beyond (Turner, 2016).
Benefits of Collagen Supplementation During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Taking collagen supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding can provide several benefits for the mother's health and postpartum recovery.
Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved Skin Elasticity
Collagen is essential for keeping the skin firm, supple and elastic. The rapid weight gain and abdominal skin stretching during pregnancy can lower collagen levels and lead to stretch marks. Supplementing with Motherkind Collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration, helping to minimise stretch marks. It also helps with postpartum skin recovery (Eastman, 2019).
Joint Support
The extra weight gained during pregnancy puts a lot of pressure on the joints, especially on the hips and knees. Collagen supplements can improve join integrity and flexibility by increasing the cushion and fluid between joints. This helps to minimise aches and pains (Eastman, 2019).
Postpartum Recovery
The collagen decrease from pregnancy takes a toll on the body. Supplementing with Motherkind Collagen postpartum can help speed up recovery and restore strength. It improves hair, skin, nails, bones and joints that may have suffered during pregnancy and childbirth (Eastman, 2019).
Heart Health
Some research indicates that collagen supplements may help improve heart health by lowering bad cholesterol levels. The glycine in collagen may be cardio-protective (Eastman, 2019).
Improved Immunity
Collagen supplements may boost immunity by raising levels of antibodies and white blood cells. This helps provide protection against illnesses (Eastman, 2019).
Safety and Recommended Doses
Taking collagen supplements during pregnancy and breastfeeding is generally** considered safe, as long as you follow the recommended dosage guidelines. The recommended dosage for pregnant and breastfeeding women is 10 grams (one scoop) of Motherkind Glow From Within Collagen daily.
**Consult with your doctor before taking any new supplements while pregnant or breastfeeding. Focus on diet, exercise and other healthy lifestyle factors as well for comprehensive support (Turner, 2016).
When to Start and Stop Collagen Supplementation
Collagen supplementation can be started during the second trimester of pregnancy. The second trimester is often when women start to experience skin changes like stretch marks as the belly expands. Starting a collagen supplement during this time can help support skin health.
It's recommended to continue taking a collagen supplement throughout the rest of pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Collagen can pass to the baby through the placenta during pregnancy and through breast milk after birth. The continued collagen supplementation helps replace depleted collagen stores and supports the increased demands on the mother's body.
Some sources recommend continuing collagen supplements for up to 12 months postpartum to allow the body to fully recover from the strain of pregnancy and breastfeeding. The body will likely need prolonged collagen support to help with healing and restoring skin elasticity and strength (Turner, 2016).
Diet
- Eat foods high in Vitamin C like citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, bell peppers. Vitamin C helps your body produce collagen.
- Eat dark green leafy veggies, nuts and seeds to get Copper, Zinc and Vitamin A. These nutrients assist collagen synthesis.
- Ensure adequate protein intake, as amino acids are needed to form collagen structures. Good sources are poultry, eggs, dairy, beans and lentils.
Exercise
- Do low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or light strength training. Exercise increases blood flow and nutrients to support collagen formation.
- Avoid overly strenuous exercise that breaks down collagen faster than it can be replaced. Listen to your body.
Sleep
- Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. Sleep is when your body repairs itself and replenishes collagen.
Making smart lifestyle choices during pregnancy and breastfeeding can promote natural collagen production along with supplementation for maximum benefits.
Motherkind products that are generally** considered safe to use during pregnancy:
- Glow From Within Bovine Collagen
- Chocolate Collagen Latte
- Luminous Skin Glow capsules
- Glow + Grow capsules
- Glow Beauty Serum
- Immune Booster
Motherkind products that are generally** considered safe to use during breastfeeding:
- Glow From Within Bovine Collagen
- Chocolate Collagen Latte
- Luminous Skin Glow Capsules
- Glow + Grow Capsules
- Glow Beauty Serum
- Immune Booster
- Motherkind OceaGlow Marine Collagen
- Motherkind BodyGold Bovine Collagen
- Motherkind Bloat Away Capsules
**It is important to consult with your doctor or gynaecologist before starting any form of collagen supplementation.
Summary
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are exciting, but demanding times for a woman's body. Supplementing with collagen provides multiple benefits that support the health needs of mothers and babies, but with all supplementation, safety comes first.
Taking a premium-quality collagen supplement, like Motherkind Glow From Within Collagen, can greatly support new mothers through the physical changes of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Give motherhood the best start by nourishing yourself with Motherkind Collagen.
