The journey of pregnancy is transformative, bringing incredible changes that place extra demands on the body.
As you focus on nurturing a new life, maintaining your own health—especially the integrity of your skin, joints, and connective tissues—becomes essential.
Collagen, a vital protein naturally present in our bodies, plays a crucial role in supporting these systems. While your body is working hard, specialized collagen supplements can help boost resilience and promote healthy development for both you and your baby.
Below, we explore the top eight expertly formulated options designed to support maternal and fetal well-being during this unique time. Remember to always consult a healthcare provider before introducing any new supplement into your regimen.
1. Biomeology Prenatal Collagen Peptides
This highly recommended collagen supplement is specifically formulated for use during pregnancy and the postpartum period, prioritizing both safety and effectiveness.
It delivers essential protein, amino acids, and vital collagen necessary to support a healthy pregnancy. Beyond structural support for skin, hair, and nails, this powder actively contributes to robust immune health, strong bones, and healthy digestion.
We found the convenience factor high, as the powder is completely flavorless and odorless, allowing it to dissolve effortlessly into morning coffee, smoothies, or any other preferred beverage without altering the taste.
While slightly higher in cost, the product’s emphasis on quality and safety justifies the investment for expectant mothers seeking comprehensive nutritional support.
Best For: Mothers seeking a safe, versatile, and high-quality collagen supplement that provides crucial nutritional building blocks from conception through postpartum recovery.
Key Specs: Provides essential protein, amino acids, and collagen; Supports immune health and strong bones; Flavorless and odorless powder form.
Pros
- Supports immune system and bone strength.
- Provides crucial essential amino acids.
- Flavorless, mixes easily into drinks.
- Great support for skin, hair, nails.
- Safe for pregnancy and postpartum.
Cons
- Slightly higher price point.
- May cause mild digestive upset.
- Mixing difficulties reported.
2. Needed. Expertly-Formulated & Tested Prenatal Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder for Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, & Postpartum
This collagen powder is carefully tailored to meet the elevated protein requirements essential for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Formulated in collaboration with doctors, researchers, practitioners, and real mothers, it ensures optimal absorption and ease of use throughout the entire motherhood journey.
It is ethically sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised, hormone-free bovines in New Zealand, delivering a clean and sustainable product.
The comprehensive support offered by this powder extends beyond typical beauty benefits, actively helping to sustain skin, tissue, gut, and crucial pelvic floor health during this demanding time. However, be aware that some users find the product has a noticeable taste or smell.
Best For: Expectant and new mothers who require tailored protein support and are prioritizing a sustainable, ethically sourced supplement focused on whole-body wellness, including pelvic floor recovery.
Key Specs: Hydrolyzed Collagen Protein Powder; Ethically sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine; Supports gut and pelvic floor health.
Pros
- Tailored for elevated protein needs.
- Sustainably sourced, clean product.
- Supports crucial pelvic floor health.
- Formulated in partnership with experts.
- Easy integration into daily routine.
Cons
- Reported strong smell and taste.
- Does not dissolve well in cold drinks.
- More expensive than some alternatives.
3. Bump to Baby Collagen Protein Powder
Bump to Baby Collagen Protein Powder is an excellent choice for mothers focused on safe and convenient fetal development support. It is crafted using 100% pure grassfed collagen and is fortified with essential vitamins and amino acids.
These nutrients are pivotal in aiding the formation of the baby’s tissues, muscles, and overall growth.
This commitment to safety and purity means the product is made from high-quality ingredients, is free from harmful additives, and undergoes stringent testing.
Furthermore, new mothers will find this powder beneficial during the postpartum period, as it assists with tissue repair and aids recovery after delivery. While unflavored, making it versatile, some users noted minor issues with mixability.
Best For: Expectant mothers who want a safe, pure, grass-fed collagen option that directly provides nutrients crucial for fetal development and supports healthy postpartum recovery.
Key Specs: 100% pure grassfed collagen; Enriched with amino acids and vitamins; Powder form, unflavored.
Pros
- Made with 100% pure grassfed collagen.
- Crucial for healthy fetal development.
- Aids postpartum recovery and repair.
- Rigorously tested for high purity.
- Easy incorporation into daily diet.
Cons
- Unflavored, which may deter some.
- Mixing issues with certain liquids.
- Slightly higher cost.
4. Nature Made Collagen Gummies
If you struggle with traditional powders or capsules, Nature Made Collagen Gummies offer a convenient and delicious lemon-flavored alternative for incorporating collagen into your routine.
These gummies feature hydrolyzed collagen alongside a powerful blend of key skin health nutrients: Vitamin C and Zinc, plus Vitamin E and Biotin. This comprehensive combination helps support not only healthy skin but overall maternal wellness.
The commitment to clean ingredients is strong, as this product is gluten-free and contains no synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial flavors.
We found the ease of chewing and the pleasant taste make this an enjoyable way to supplement, though the one-gummy-per-day recommended dose might be insufficient for individuals needing higher intake.
Best For: Individuals looking for a convenient, tasty, non-powder form of collagen supplementation that includes essential supporting vitamins like C, E, and Biotin, and is free of common artificial additives.
Key Specs: Hydrolyzed Collagen Gummies; Delicious lemon flavor; Contains Vitamin C, Zinc, E, Biotin; Certified gluten-free.
Pros
- Convenient and pleasant lemon flavor.
- Contains key nutrients C and Zinc.
- Free from many artificial ingredients.
- Easy-to-chew alternative.
- Supports healthy skin appearance.
Cons
- Low single-gummy dosage.
- Individual results will vary.
- Higher price compared to powders.
5. Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex
The Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex is a highly recommended, premium-quality capsule supplement designed to be an all-in-one solution during pregnancy.
This comprehensive formula includes a potent blend of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, offering Types I, II, III, V, and X from diverse sources.
This broad spectrum supports skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, joints, and crucially, gut health. To maximize benefits, the supplement features Digeseb, an enzyme blend that enhances absorption, making it a strong alternative to traditional powders.
Manufactured in the USA in a GMP-certified lab, it is also certified gluten-free, hormone-free, and dairy-free. Users appreciate its ability to strengthen joints and promote radiant, youthful skin, though some reviewers reported a distinct fishy odor.
Best For: Users seeking a multi-source, broad-spectrum collagen supplement (Types I, II, III, V, X) in capsule form, who prioritize enhanced absorption technology and comprehensive joint/bone support during pregnancy.
Key Specs: Multi Collagen Complex (I, II, III, V, X); Capsules format; Enhanced absorption with Digeseb; Gluten, hormone, and dairy-free.
Pros
- Comprehensive Types I, II, III, V, X.
- Enhanced absorption technology used.
- Strengthens bones and stressed joints.
- Renews tissues, aids complexion.
- Free from gluten and hormones.
Cons
- Users report fishy smell.
- May take time to see results.
- Capsules can be hard to swallow.
6. Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder is a simple, effective choice for supporting hair, skin, nail, bone, and joint health throughout pregnancy.
It boasts a clean, single-ingredient profile: hydrolyzed collagen peptides sourced exclusively from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows.
This product is favored for its remarkable versatility; it dissolves effortlessly and completely in both hot and cold beverages, making it easy to incorporate into everything from coffee to smoothies.
The commitment to quality extends to sustainability, ensuring high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
We appreciate that this powder is free from gluten, dairy, and sugar. However, some individuals sensitive to subtle flavors may find the unflavored taste or smell noticeable, and those monitoring sodium intake should note its presence.
Best For: Individuals prioritizing a simple, single-ingredient formula derived from high-quality, sustainably sourced grass-fed bovine that offers versatile mixing capabilities.
Key Specs: Single ingredient: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides; Sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine; Powder dissolves easily in hot/cold liquids.
Pros
- Clean, simple, single ingredient.
- Dissolves fully in hot or cold drinks.
- Sustainably sourced, high quality.
- Supports hair, skin, and joints.
- Free from gluten, dairy, and sugar.
Cons
- Unflavored taste potentially noticeable.
- Some users sensitive to smell.
- Contains a small amount of sodium.
7. Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Peptides Powder
This highly bioavailable powder is an excellent nutritional boost, delivering a robust dose of 20g of collagen peptides (Type I and Type III) and 18g of protein per scoop.
Designed to promote beautiful skin, hair, and nails, it also offers proven support for mobility and joint function—critical during the later stages of pregnancy.
What truly sets this supplement apart is its focus on digestive wellness, as it includes 1.5 Billion CFU probiotics and hydrolyzed enzymes.
This inclusion enhances absorption and actively supports healthy gut function and digestion. The powder contains essential amino acids and BCAAs, supporting healthy cartilage and ligament flexibility. It is also third-party tested, certified gluten-free, and certified keto/paleo.
Best For: Users seeking high-dose collagen paired with significant protein content, who need enhanced gut health support via added probiotics and enzymes for optimized nutrient absorption.
Key Specs: 20g Collagen (Type I & III); 18g Protein per scoop; Includes 1.5 Billion CFU Probiotics; Certified keto and paleo.
Pros
- High dose 20g collagen/18g protein.
- Enhanced gut health with probiotics.
- Supports joint mobility and flexibility.
- Highly bioavailable for absorption.
- Rigorously third-party certified.
Cons
- Can take time to fully dissolve.
- Small risk of allergic reaction.
- Scoop often hard to locate.
8. PROTIVA Thrive Collagen Powder for Women
PROTIVA Thrive stands out as the only collagen powder clinically proven to be beneficial for pregnant women’s health, making it a highly recommended choice for supporting the motherhood journey.
This advanced formulation delivers the medically recommended daily amount of 15g of collagen and 60mg of Vitamin C per serving.
Uniquely, this product boasts a 98% source match to human DNA, ensuring it is highly tolerated and supremely nurturing.
It actively works to soothe, repair, and strengthen the gut, helping to prepare the body effectively for delivery.
While users must contend with a slightly sour taste and difficulty blending with cold drinks, the proven safety and effectiveness of this pricey investment for a healthy pregnancy is often considered worthwhile.
Best For: Pregnant women who require the reassurance of a clinically proven, highly bioavailable formula that focuses intensely on gut health preparation and maternal well-being leading up to delivery.
Key Specs: Clinically proven safe and effective; 15g Collagen, 60mg Vitamin C; 98% source match to human DNA; Free from common allergens.
Pros
- Clinically proven safe and effective.
- Formulated for high bioavailability.
- Unique 98% human DNA source match.
- Strengthens and repairs the gut.
- Helps prepare body for delivery.
Cons
- Reported sour taste profile.
- Does not blend well when cold.
- More expensive compared to others.
Buying Guide
Type of Collagen
There are several types of collagen, each with specific roles. Type I is key for skin, bone, and tendons. Type II focuses on cartilage.
Type III supports skin, muscles, and blood vessels. Type V is found in the placenta and hair, making it a suitable option for expectant mothers. Match the type to your personal health requirements.
Source and Purity
Collagen can come from marine or animal sources, so choose based on dietary preferences. Crucially, look for products that are completely free from fillers, allergens, and harmful additives.
Prioritizing third-party testing offers a necessary assurance regarding the product’s overall quality and high purity.
Dosage and Form
Collagen supplements are available in various formats, including convenient gummies, easy-to-mix powders, or capsules.
Consider your daily routine and preferences when selecting a form. Dosage requirements differ based on the product and your individual needs. Always check the serving size to confirm adequate value and benefit.
Other Ingredients
Many supplements integrate additional components to boost absorption or provide enhanced benefits.
For example, Vitamin C is often included to support the essential synthesis of collagen within the body. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid can be added for increased skin hydration. Ensure these extra components align seamlessly with your existing prenatal health regimen.
