Using collagen can help lead to a successful pregnancy and a quicker recovery from the incredible physical stresses women's bodies encounter during pregnancy and after giving birth.
Planning to have children
If you plan to have children, you are likely aware that conception is not as straightforward as many would-be parents would wish. And while some adults cannot have children, some couples fail to have offspring simply because they don’t deal with health and physical issues easily solvable with lifestyle changes and by following expert medical advice or treatment.
Preparing for a successful conception, healthy pregnancy and birth involves numerous considerations for any caring couple. And today, more and more women and their partners are thinking very seriously about how best to approach their pregnancies. Future mums might be surprised to learn that collagen can play a huge role in ensuring a successful conception and healthy pregnancy.
Understanding the role of a healthy endometrium in a successful pregnancy
The endometrium plays an essential role in pregnancy. It is the innermost lining of a woman’s uterus. During the menstrual cycle, it thickens, giving a woman the possibility of becoming pregnant. When a fertilised egg successfully stays in place, the endometrium helps the female to become pregnant. If she does not get pregnant, the endometrium is shed. We commonly refer to this process as a period.
Improving the odds of pregnancy
Many women have an endometrium that is too thin. Because of this, it is impossible for the fertilised egg to attach and for a successful conception to occur. The answer is to grow and thicken the endometrium. Once this happens, there are much greater odds that a woman will become impregnated. Another way a woman can grow and thicken her endometrium is by being treated by a qualified physician.
Helping your body fight the ageing process
Aside from medical procedures and treatments, we can help ourselves with lifestyle changes. The endometrium is a connective tissue fortified when the body’s natural collagen production is restored. From the age of 25, collagen production slows down in most adults. By 40, it can drop by as much as 1% each year. It is a frightening fact, but fortunately, all is not lost. Today, it is possible to fight the ageing process and the negative impacts of natural collagen loss as we age by taking marine collagen supplements.
What is marine collagen? And how can it help?
Marine collagen is a type of collagen protein sourced from fish and other forms of sea life and is available as a pleasant, easy-to-drink soluble powder added to liquids.
By taking the correct dose of marine collagen for 90 days or more, all of us, including women who wish to get pregnant, can boost our collagen levels. The benefits are numerous: healthier skin, hair and bones, while our internal organs benefit from enhanced structure and function.
Is it safe to consume collagen while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Pure marine collagen peptides are natural and do not include any additives and sugars. Col Du Marine™ is hydrolyzed and has a low molecular weight. It is, therefore, easily absorbed by the body and enters directly into the bloodstream. There are no known side effects from using collagen supplements during pregnancy. When a pregnant mother uses a high-quality natural collagen supplement and follows the correct recommended daily dosage, collagen is safe. For peace of mind, any pregnant mother should speak to their GP before starting any supplements.
Preventing scars and stretch marks
Additionally, collagen intake before, during and after pregnancy is believed to help prevent the formation of scars and stretch marks.
Are there any other benefits of using collagen before or during pregnancy?
Protein boost
Studies conclude that four in ten women do not eat enough protein. During pregnancy, this number increases as women need more protein intake to support their bodies and the child/children they are carrying. Collagen is a protein. Collagen powder intake is an easy way of adding protein to a diet. Collagen peptide powder is soluble in liquids, and we can also add it to food without altering taste and enjoyment.
Joint pain issues
Joint pain is an issue for many adults. Studies show that athletes taking collagen supplements experience a reduction in joint discomfort. Although no studies prove that collagen supplements during pregnancy alleviate joint pain, studies in other groups, including athletes are positive.
Bone density
Pregnant women have a higher demand for calcium than others. It is likely, therefore, that bone density reduces during pregnancy. Collagen is vital for bone health and skeletal muscle mass, and supplementation will help a pregnant woman.
Skin, nail and hair health
As mentioned briefly above, collagen can help improve skin and hair health. During pregnancy, hair can become limp, nails brittle, and skin stretched. Collagen boosts the elasticity of skin. It also helps treat dry, brittle hair. Nail strength increases, and nails grow faster during a three-month-course of marine collagen peptide powder. Any improvements will enable a pregnant mum to feel healthier and more beautiful.
Supporting the body before, during and after pregnancy
Collagen loss is something everyone over 20 experiences. And, as we get older, the rate of collagen loss increases. Taking collagen supplements before a woman plans to have children can significantly boost her collagen levels in advance of pregnancy.
During pregnancy, collagen intake can help maintain calcium levels and bone density, ease joint pain, and strengthen hair and nails. A pregnant woman’s hair will also look more healthy and beautiful.
Taking collagen immediately after giving birth and when a mother no longer breastfeeds can also help alleviate some of the stress the body encounters during pregnancy, giving birth, and when a woman is lactating.