Hey there, mama-to-be!
Pregnancy is an exciting time, but it can also come with morning sickness, achy joints, and stretch marks (just to name a few). It’s no wonder I feel like I’ve been run over by a truck after 3 pregnancies in less than 5 years…
But, the good news is that collagen can help ease some of these uncomfortable symptoms and support your body before, during, and after pregnancy.
Collagen is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as supporting joint and bone health.
And the best part? Collagen supplements can be a game-changer during pregnancy and postpartum (goodbye baby hairs and morning sickness!).
Note: This article is sponsored by Beli. All opinions expressed are still my own.
What is Collagen?
Collagen, amino acids, peptides – not to get all science-y on you, but let me try to break these down.
Collagen is a protein that our bodies naturally produce. It’s the most abundant protein in our body and is in our connective tissues, skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, organs, blood vessels, and almost everywhere in our body.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins like collagen. There are approximately 20 different types of amino acids and our bodies need even more when we’re pregnant.
Collagen peptides are smaller, more easily digestible forms of collagen proteins that break down into amino acids when digested. They are what you will typically see on the ingredients list in collagen supplements.
The peptides are made by breaking down larger collagen molecules into smaller, more easily digestible forms in a process called hydrolyzation.
Are you still with me?
This is important because when you are choosing a collagen supplement, you want to choose one that is fully hydrolyzed so it is easily absorbed and you get every last bit of the benefits.
That’s why I’m particularly impressed with Beli’s collagen protein powder – it’s fully hydrolyzed and has a whole 10 grams of collagen peptides and 18 essential amino acids in just one scoop.
Benefits of Collagen During Pregnancy
Protein is a big deal when you’re pregnant because your body needs even more of it.
And during postpartum, that doesn’t stop. Your body needs protein to heal from childbirth, and if you’re breastfeeding like me, your baby will use the extra protein for brain development.
So taking a collagen supplement, like a scoop of Beli a day, not only ups your overall protein intake (which has its own perks), but it also offers a whole bunch of other benefits.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Biological Sciences, collagen is absolutely critical for a successful pregnancy.
In fact, not having enough collagen can lead to recurrent miscarriage, diabetes mellitus with pregnancy, preeclampsia, and more.
Skin, Hair, and More
Collagen is a skin savior. It helps by supporting the skin’s elasticity which can help reduce stretch marks. I’ll take all the elasticity I can get!
Oh, and let’s not forget about the postpartum hair. The hair breakage and hair loss after birth is insane. I still have the worst baby hairs, so any products that can help with that, count me in.
Collagen protein can also:
- Help grow new tissues (for mom to heal and baby to grow)
- Support healthy immune systems and proper muscle function
- Aid in the production of hormones
- Benefit joints, ligaments, and muscles (which can go all wobbly during pregnancy)
- Reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- Strengthen the uterine wall, which can help reduce complications
- Reduce pregnancy symptoms like nausea and morning sickness, constipation, and anxiety
- Help balance blood sugar
- Regulate metabolism and hormone production
- Minimize swelling
Remember you have to take collagen regularly to reap the benefits. Consistency is key!
Safety of Collagen During Pregnancy
Collagen supplements are generally considered safe during pregnancy, with no known major side effects – but not all collagen is created equal.
The collagen you usually use for your skin might not be the best choice when you’re pregnant because it could have certain additives that are not recommended while you’re pregnant.
I’m all about keeping things clean and simple when it comes to what I eat or take, especially while I’m growing or nurturing a baby. I want to know exactly what I’m putting into my body.
It can be hard to know exactly what’s in your supplement because the FDA doesn’t regulate them like they do medications.
So do your own research and stick with a company that you trust.
That’s another box that Beli ticks for me. The bovine collagen that Beli uses is grass-fed, hormone-free, and pasture-raised. It’s the most natural option there is.
It’s also free of soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, sweeteners, shellfish, sugar, artificial ingredients, GMOs, chemicals, color additives, preservatives, or anything else I don’t want in there.
Risks of Collagen During Pregnancy
As with any supplement, allergies or interactions with other meds can happen, so make sure to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements.
Your doctor will know your medical history and can tell you if it’s okay to take and also help you figure out how much to take.
Also, remember that collagen supplements aren’t supposed to replace your prenatal vitamins. They should be taken along with your prenatal vitamins so you are getting all the right nutrients plus the protein boost.
Beli’s collagen is the perfect addition to their powerful prenatal vitamin.
Best Prenatal Collagen
I’m no newbie when it comes to collagen supplements. I’ve gone through a few over the years and throughout my three pregnancies. And since consistency is key, I really think the best prenatal collagen is the one that you will take every day.
I’ve tried some that made me gag when mixed in with smoothies or coffee. But the Beli Collagen powder is completely tasteless and disappears in liquid. (I imagine this would be particularly useful if you’re battling morning sickness.)
I can literally mix it into my morning cup of coffee and not taste a thing. It also doesn’t change the texture or consistency, which is a gripe I’ve had with other brands.
You can also add it to smoothies, overnight oats, acai bowls, yogurt – you name it.
Flavorless Collagen = Fully Hydrolyzed
The lack of flavor or scent is also the best way to tell if the collagen peptides are fully hydrolyzed, which, circling back to the science of things, means it’s easier to absorb, or in other words, the best prenatal collagen.
And I already mentioned that Beli makes its collagen powder with pure, high-quality ingredients, but I’ll say it again because it’s a top priority.
Beli Collagen is packed with mindfully sourced protein goodness, and it’s completely free from any harmful additives or chemicals, so I know I’m making a safe choice for me and my babies.
Collagen Powder vs Pills
I’ve tried both powder and pill collagen supplements. The main hassle with pills is the amount you have to take which is usually at least twice a day, sometimes more.
Powder is so much more convenient and you only need one to two scoops of Beli’s collagen powder to get the full benefits.
The drawback with some powders is their not-so-great, chalky taste. But since Beli’s powder has no flavor or smell at all, it’s easy to mix into just about anything.
Collagen Liquid and Creams
I’ve also seen some liquid collagens and collagen creams that are for topical use.
I would imagine that the liquid comes with some sort of taste, and it would water down my acai bowl or yogurt, so it’s definitely not as versatile as the powder.
And while the creams may seem like they would be good for stretch marks, the effectiveness of topical use is still up for debate, and it’s generally believed that ingesting collagen is more effective for skin elasticity. Plus, not all creams are safe for use during pregnancy.
So all things considered, powder supplements seem like the best option to me.
The Bottom Line
Remember mamas, self-care is important, and taking care of your little ones means taking care of yourself too. Incorporating collagen into your routine can be a simple way to support your body and feel your best.
If you’re curious about collagen, give Beli a try.
As always, consult with your doctor before starting any supplement, and most of all, trust your intuition and listen to your body.
Here’s to strong bodies, radiant skin, and being the amazing moms we are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take collagen while pregnant?
Yes, you can take collagen while pregnant. Your body needs a lot of protein and collagen is an abundant protein found throughout the body that can support healthy skin, hair growth, joint health, and fetal growth. Supplementing with a collagen protein supplement is a good way to keep your daily levels up to the recommended amounts during pregnancy.
But not all collagen supplements are created equal. Look for clean simple ingredients without all the harsh additives. Beli Collagen Protein Boost is a great addition to your prenatal routine.
Which brand of collagen is safe for pregnancy?
Beli’s Collagen Protein Boost is specifically formulated for expectant mothers with all the simple, high-quality ingredients that you want, and none of the chemicals or harmful additives that you don’t.
The bovine protein is carefully sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovines that are hormone-free.
It’s also free of soy, gluten, milk, egg, wheat, peanuts, sweeteners, shellfish, and sugar, and has no artificial ingredients, GMOs, chemicals, color additives, or preservatives.
It’s fully hydrolyzed, meaning the peptides break down into tiny particles that your body can easily absorb making it super easy to get that extra protein you need.
Can I take collagen and prenatal vitamins together?
Taking collagen and prenatal vitamins together is completely safe and can actually be a great combination. Beli collagen powder provides an extra boost of protein and support for your hair, skin, nails, and overall health, while prenatal vitamins ensure you’re getting all the essential nutrients needed for you and your baby’s development.
Just be sure to follow the recommended dosage for both collagen and prenatal vitamins, and if you have any concerns or questions, it’s always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs.
What are the side effects of taking collagen?
Collagen supplements are generally considered safe to consume during pregnancy, with no known major side effects. But as with any supplement, there’s always a small risk of an allergic reaction. Some individuals may experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
If you are considering taking collagen supplements during pregnancy, it is always best to talk to your healthcare provider first. They can go over your health history and help you determine if collagen is right for you and your growing baby.
And if you’re going to take a supplement, make sure to choose a high-quality supplement like Beli so you get all the potential health benefits without any negative side effects.
Can you take too much collagen when pregnant?
Too much collagen might throw off the balance of amino acids in your body which may cause digestive issues. Always ask your doctor before starting a supplement plan. They can look at your existing health conditions, diet, and nutritional requirements and let you know how much collagen you should be taking.
Beli generally recommends 1 to 2 scoops daily of their collagen powder, which contains 10g of collagen and 9g of protein per scoop.
What does collagen do during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, collagen helps keep our skin nice and stretchy, which helps prevent stretch marks. It also gives a boost to our joints and ligaments, which can get a bit wobbly thanks to those pregnancy hormones. And let’s not forget about the luscious hair and strong nails it helps us rock.
Do prenatal vitamins have collagen?
No, prenatal vitamins don’t contain collagen. So Beli Collagen Protein Boost is meant to be taken along with your prenatal vitamins, not instead of them. It pairs perfectly with the Beli Prenatal.
What is the best collagen to take during pregnancy?
Beli Collagen Protein Boost stands out for several reasons, and it’s specifically designed with pregnant and postpartum women in mind, catering to their unique nutritional needs.
Beli Collagen Protein Boost is packed with protein goodness and it’s completely free from any harmful additives or chemicals.
It’s also completely tasteless so you can easily add it to your favorite foods and drinks without changing their flavors. It’s super convenient and doesn’t disrupt our everyday routine.
