Collagen is found in all vital organs: dermis, tendons, fascia, bone, cartilage etc. It is a major component of the extracellular matrix along with elastin. Collagen belongs to a family of fibrilar proteins that have similar chemical and structural properties. The form of collagen is determined by the type of molecule that predominates. The collagen molecule consists of 3 polypeptides and there are 12 types of collagen identified. Collagen fibers are put into stress during pregnancy. Women with good quality of collagen have no marks were as women with poor collagen quality have a combination of symptoms and signs during pregnancy. We question and examined 52 women during the 3rd trimester of their pregnancy regarding the following: stiae gravidarum in their abdomen, varicosities in their lower extremities, hemorrhoids and urine incontinence during stress. We also noted their weight increase during pregnancy. The most common finding in those women was hemorrhoids who were reversely related to the age of the woman and directed related to the weight gain during pregnancy. The next most common was striae gravidarum which is not related to the weight gain during pregnancy. Finally stress incontinence was commoner in younger women and varicosities in older women.

Dr Evangelos Athanasiou studied medicine in the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (MD 1992). He then specialized in Obstetrics & Gynecology in England and got his specialty in Jan 1999. He then spend another year in England for his special interest in infertility and IVF. From 2000 is employed in various positions in the NHS system of Greece. He was Director/Consultant of the Obstetric & Gynaecology clinic in Naoussa General Hospital from 2007 to 2012. From May 2012 is working as a Consultant Obstetrician Gynecologist in the 2nd University Dpt O&G clinic at Ippokration Hospital.