Is Collagen Safe To Take During Pregnancy?

“Is that coffee? You’ll keep the baby awake!”

“Have more! You’re eating for two, after all.”

“You ordered smoked salmon? Are you trying to give your baby mercury poisoning?!”

Between your coworker’s unsolicited advice and random strangers touching your belly, pregnancy has essentially made your business everyone’s business. But when it comes to your wellness routine — like that collagen drink you’ve been loving — what advice is actually correct? Can you drink collagen while pregnant? 

Unfortunately, the answer isn’t exactly black and white. While collagen in itself may be helpful during pregnancy, the actual effects of liquid collagen drinks haven’t been closely studied in pregnant people. 

Talking to your doctor is always the best policy when it comes to determining what’s safe for your baby. In the meantime, this guide can also give you some insight into whether collagen supplementation during pregnancy is a good idea. 

What’s the Deal With Collagen, Anyway? 

If you’re on social media, you’ve probably heard of collagen powder. Beauty influencers and everyday women alike are harnessing the power of this supplement to achieve flawless skin, luscious locks, strong joints, and a more youthful glow. 

But what is collagen? 

You might be surprised to learn that it’s the most abundant protein in your body. It contributes to everything from the strength of your bones to the flexibility of your joints and the suppleness of your skin. 

As you age, your collagen production naturally starts to decrease — huge bummer. That’s why many women start noticing wrinkles, crepey skin, and stiff joints once they turn 30. 

Taking collagen supplements is an effective way to replenish your body’s natural supply of this protein. But is it safe to drink collagen while pregnant? 

Could Collagen Help You During Pregnancy?

Some health professionals will tell you that collagen is safe to take during pregnancy and that it’s also an essential maternal health supplement. Research shows that your body needs collagen during pregnancy. This protein helps:

• Prepare the uterus to receive and support an embryo (your little jellybean!)
• Support fetal development and growth
• Build and maintain lean muscle tissue to assist you during delivery

As we mentioned, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It contributes to many bodily processes, including pregnancy. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take collagen supplements while pregnant. 

If you eat enough protein each day, you’ll probably get all the collagen you need to support your baby’s growth and make your uterus a safe, comfortable home for them. 

But you may consider prenatal collagen use to support other aspects of your pregnancy — and your body outside of pregnancy. Between the swollen ankles and back pain, pregnancy isn’t always a walk in the park. That’s where collagen might help.

This nutritional support can:

• Support your joints during pregnancy, helping reduce some of the aches and pains that come in the third trimester
• Enhance your natural pregnancy glow, keeping your skin soft and dewy 
• Strengthen your bones, helping to account for some of the new strain placed on your body during pregnancy

For these reasons, it might make sense to drink collagen while pregnant. But it’s important to explore the potential risks of these supplements as well and choose high-quality ones — like our products at RenewSkin Co™.

Real Talk — Are There Any Risks in Taking Collagen While Pregnant? 

You want to keep your baby safe and healthy for as long as they’re dependent on you, so it makes sense to explore the possible risks of any supplements you take while pregnant. The main reason some healthcare providers recommend against taking collagen supplements during pregnancy is that their effects haven’t been well studied on pregnant individuals. 

Taking collagen supplements is a relatively new concept, and more research is needed for doctors to feel 100% confident recommending it. There may be a few other reasons to save collagen supplements until after the baby is born:

• Healthcare providers typically recommend against taking any dietary supplements during pregnancy other than tested and approved prenatal vitamins
• Some collagen supplements simply aren’t reliable. You might not know what’s in them, which means you won’t know whether they’re safe for your baby. 
• Certain people notice an upset tummy when taking collagen. If this happened to you before you were pregnant, it might feel extra uncomfy during pregnancy. 

How To Find High-Quality Collagen Supplements for Pregnancy

If your doctor has given you the OK to take collagen during pregnancy, it’s important to find supplements that are super high-quality and reliable. 

• Avoid unnecessary additives: Examine the ingredient list closely and watch out for hydrogenated oils, artificial colors, and even additives like lead or mercury. The shorter the ingredient list, the better. 
• Stay away from artificial sweeteners: Some liquid collagen drinks contain artificial sweeteners or high fructose corn syrup to improve the taste. Avoid these and stick to products with real sugar or honey. 
• Examine the collagen source: Supplements take their collagen from cows, chickens, pigs, or fish. Marine collagen, which comes from fish, tends to be the purest and safest form. 

Drinking Collagen While Pregnant: Yay or Nay? 

There’s no definitive answer to whether you can drink collagen while pregnant. While collagen may help your baby’s development, many healthcare professionals recommend against taking dietary supplements during pregnancy. This is simply to reduce the risk of accidentally taking something that isn’t quite safe for your baby. 

That’s why we recommend talking to your doctor instead of confidently telling you, “Yes! Keep up that collagen routine, baby!” Everyone’s pregnancy needs are different, and it’s a good idea to consult your OB-GYN before making any changes to your diet or routine. 

If you’ve decided to boost your pregnancy skin care with liquid collagen, RenewSkin Co™ is a trusted source of high-quality liquid collagen drinks and topical creams. Check out our Taut Ultimate Transformation Program or one of our other box programs today — and know that whatever you decide, you’re doing a great job, mama.