Collagen Pregnancy & Postpartum Safety

When I found out I was pregnant last year, one of my first questions wasn't about morning sickness or nursery colors – it was "Can I still take my collagen?" As someone who'd been religiously taking collagen supplements for three years, the thought of stopping made me genuinely anxious. My skin was finally in a good place!

After months of research, consultations with my OB-GYN, and now 8 months of postpartum experience, I'm sharing everything I learned about collagen during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Spoiler alert: the news is mostly good!

Collagen During Pregnancy and Postpartum - Complete Safety Guide

Is Collagen Safe During Pregnancy? The Real Answer

Here's what my doctor told me, and what multiple studies confirm: collagen supplements are generally considered safe during pregnancy. There are no studies linking collagen supplements to pregnancy complications, birth defects, or any adverse outcomes.

But (and this is important), there also aren't extensive studies specifically testing collagen supplements on pregnant women – because, well, nobody wants to experiment on pregnant women. Most safety data comes from the fact that collagen is simply a protein, similar to what you'd get from eating chicken or fish.

What My OB-GYN Actually Said

Dr. Sarah Kim at my clinic put it this way: "Collagen is just protein broken down into amino acids. It's like asking if eating a chicken breast is safe during pregnancy – of course it is." However, she did stress the importance of choosing high-quality, third-party tested supplements.

Why I Actually Needed Collagen More During Pregnancy

Turns out, pregnancy is basically a collagen-depleting marathon. Here's what's happening in your body:

Your Skin is Working Overtime

By my second trimester, my belly was stretching faster than I thought possible. My dermatologist explained that skin elasticity relies heavily on collagen, and pregnancy can deplete your natural stores by up to 30%. No wonder I started noticing more stretch marks around month 6!

Joint Pain Became Real

Around week 28, my hips started aching in ways I'd never experienced. Turns out, the hormone relaxin doesn't just loosen your pelvis – it affects all your connective tissues, which are largely made of... you guessed it, collagen.

Protein Needs Skyrocketed

Pregnancy increases your protein needs by about 25g per day. Adding 10-12g of collagen protein helped me hit my targets without forcing down another chicken breast (because let's be honest, food aversions are real).

My Pregnancy Collagen Protocol

After getting the green light from my doctor, here's what worked for me:

First Trimester: Play it Safe

I stuck to my regular dose of 10g marine collagen daily, mixed into my morning smoothie. I chose marine collagen because it's generally cleaner and has fewer potential allergens than bovine sources.

Second Trimester: Ramped Up

As my skin started stretching more dramatically, I increased to 15g daily – 10g in the morning, 5g before bed. I also started pairing it with vitamin C (from my prenatal and fresh orange juice) to boost absorption.

Third Trimester: Focus on Recovery

I maintained 15g daily but started thinking ahead to postpartum recovery. My doctor mentioned that collagen could help with tissue healing after delivery.

The Postpartum Game-Changer

Honestly? Postpartum is where collagen really proved its worth. Here's what I experienced:

Faster Skin Recovery

While I did get some stretch marks (genetics, hello!), they faded faster than expected. My dermatologist said this could be partially attributed to maintained collagen levels supporting skin repair.

Joint Support During Breastfeeding

Those relaxin-loosened joints? Still an issue postpartum, especially with all the baby-carrying and awkward feeding positions. Continuing collagen seemed to help with joint discomfort.

Energy and Hair Health

Postpartum hair loss hit around month 4, but it wasn't as dramatic as I'd feared. While I can't prove collagen prevented it, my hair stylist commented that my hair seemed stronger during the shedding phase.

Choosing the Right Collagen During Pregnancy

Not all collagen supplements are created equal, especially when you're growing a human. Here's what to look for:

Third-Party Tested

This is non-negotiable. Look for NSF, USP, or similar certifications. I used brands that specifically test for heavy metals, which can be concerning during pregnancy.

Marine Sources

Marine collagen tends to be cleaner and more sustainable than bovine sources. Plus, it's often easier to digest – important when pregnancy nausea is real.

Minimal Ingredients

Skip the flavored powders with artificial sweeteners and stick to unflavored, pure collagen peptides. Less is more when you're pregnant.

Proper Storage

Pregnancy makes you more susceptible to foodborne illnesses, so proper storage becomes crucial. I kept my collagen in a cool, dry place and never used it past the expiration date.

What About Breastfeeding?

Using collagen while breastfeeding is not only safe but potentially beneficial. Here's why:

Increased Protein Needs: Breastfeeding requires even more protein than pregnancy – about 25g extra daily. Collagen can help meet these needs.

Connective Tissue Support: Your joints and ligaments are still recovering postpartum. Collagen provides the building blocks they need.

Skin Recovery: Whether dealing with stretch marks or just general skin recovery, collagen supports the healing process.

Dosage Guidelines I Followed

Based on my research and doctor consultations:

First trimester: 10g daily (standard dose)
Second/Third trimester: 10-15g daily
Postpartum/Breastfeeding: 10-20g daily

Always start with the lower end and increase gradually. And honestly? Some days I forgot or felt nauseous, and that was okay too.

Red Flags to Avoid

While collagen is generally safe, here are the warnings my doctor gave me:

Avoid collagen injections during pregnancy (topical supplements only)
Skip questionable brands without third-party testing
Watch for allergic reactions, especially if you have seafood allergies and choose marine collagen
Don't replace prenatal vitamins – collagen is a supplement, not a replacement

My Honest Results After 15 Months

Was it life-changing? Not exactly. Did it help? I believe so. My skin recovered better than expected, my hair loss wasn't as dramatic as feared, and my joints felt more stable throughout the process.

The biggest benefit might have been peace of mind – knowing I was supporting my body's increased protein needs and giving it the building blocks for recovery.

The Bottom Line for Expecting Moms

Collagen during pregnancy isn't necessary, but it can be beneficial when chosen and used properly. The key is:

Get approval from your healthcare provider
Choose high-quality, tested products
Start with standard doses
Listen to your body

Remember, every pregnancy is different. What worked for me might not work for everyone, and that's totally normal.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects personal experience. Collagen supplements are not medicine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplements during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Individual results may vary.

Collagen During Pregnancy and Postpartum: A New Mom's Complete Safety Guide (My Real Experience)