COLLAGEN COLLAPSE
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I’m an older mom – pregnant at 42! – and
I have some questions about collagen. I’ve been taking it for a few years now in powder form mixed with my coffee. I believe it is good for my skin, and I know many older people take it for their joints too. Can I continue to take it during my pregnancy? I was taking it for wrinkles and sagging, but now of course I’m also concerned about stretch marks and pigmentation, and I hope the collagen can help. I have a friend who just suffered a prolapse, apparently because she doesn’t have good collagen as she had no other risk factors, so could a supplement have helped her? She was only 48.
DR NOKUBONGA KHOZA ANSWERS: Firstly, congratulations on your pregnancy and becoming a mom. It is a very exciting and life-changing period of time.
When it comes to collagen and the benefits of oral supplements on the body and skin, there isn’t much research and evidence out there yet. Particularly in terms of the benefits of collagen in pregnant women – there aren’t many research studies that have been done, for obvious reasons.
The collagen you take will most likely go to the joints, bones, muscles and blood. If you’re lucky, some may get to your skin and help with elasticity and strength. Although collagen is safe to take and can definitely benefit your body during pregnancy, it’s important to understand that as it may not go exactly where you want it to.
We have no control over how or when our bodies take collagen.
It’s important that you talk to your doctor and discuss any queries you have throughout your pregnancy with them. Remember that the stretch marks and pigmentation that may appear during pregancy is often genetic and cannot always be avoided.
Your body is growing human life and is doing incredible things right now, so be kind and patient with it.
I recommend investing in a deeply hydrating body cream and ensuring you are constantly moisturising your skin. Make sure you’re being religious with your sunscreen – keep re-applying throughout the day.
The chances of prolapse do increase with age.
You are also at a higher risk of uterine prolapse if you have had multiple vaginal deliveries during previous childbirth.
It is possible that a lack of collagen in the uterus can potentially result in prolapse.
This is because collagen is the protein that holds all of our bodily tissues together.
Studies have shown that women with prolapse had decreased amounts of collagen in the cervix. Therefore, taking collagen while pregnant may be a good idea and beneficial during yourpregnancy. However, I would again advise that you speak to your gynaecologist, obstetrician or healthcare provider. ●