Pregnancy, while incredible, is notoriously hard on the body, which changes in remarkable ways to support the growing life within. Both pregnancy and breastfeeding require a lot of nutrients - if there isn't enough of a particular nutrient available in the body, mum is the one who goes without, so it is crucial to support your body through this period of drastic change.

Aside from the obvious impending life changes (hello, new family member!), the physical changes of pregnancy can be simultaneously beautiful and frustrating for women. One of the biggest concerns women have is to do with skin, in particular, on the body.

As pregnancy progresses, the skin on the belly, hips, thighs, and breasts expands, and many women develop stretch marks, a very normal occurrence during pregnancy. Post-pregnancy, loose skin on the stomach is very common, and skin may never go back to its original elasticity. Despite popular belief, creams and lotions can't prevent or treat stretch marks and loose skin.

The best bet is to support your skin elasticity with a healthy diet and lifestyle and targeted supplements (if desired).

Collagen gives not only gives skin its structure; it is found in our connective tissue, cartilage, bones, joints, blood vessels, organs, hair, and nails. It's no surprise then, that collagen supplementation during pregnancy can be beneficial to support the immense amount of changes in the body.

All peptide collagen (aside from marine collagen) is safe during pregnancy, but it is always best to check with your doctor or midwife before starting any supplement or medication.

Why take collagen during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

• It supports skin elasticity. Healthy, hydrated, elastic skin will fare better throughout and after pregnancy. We've had multiple clients tell us they had a super fast recovery post-birth (compared to previous births), and some have reported no stretch marks and minimal loose skin post-pregnancy. All women are different, but you can't go wrong by boosting your natural collagen production and stores with peptide collagen.

• It has digestive benefits. Collagen is comprised of amino acids (much like those found in bone broth), some of which can seal and heal the gut lining.

• Collagen strengthens joints and ligaments to help your body carry the physical load. Once baby is born, healthy joints will help you carry your baby - and baby bag - around constantly. Caring for a baby is physical work, and plenty of mums have sore necks, backs, and arms. Collagen can help with muscle soreness and injury.

• Peptide collagen is a dream for the skin. Facial skin can undergo significant changes too - think extra pigmentation, breakouts, and texture changes. Many facial treatments and products are unsafe during pregnancy (think Botox, retinol use, fillers etc.), so for those who want to look after their skin safely, collagen is an excellent option.  

• While pregnancy can create lush, thick hair for many women (due to slower hair shedding), postpartum hair loss can come as a shock and can occur months after baby is born. Taking collagen can encourage new hair growth and healthy, strong hair.