Less Symptoms=less Risk?

[Idahogirl]

Hi! I am new to this forum. I just found out I am pregnant, and am a little worried about risks of not following the gluten-free diet up until now. I didn't realize the risks of miscarriage with untreated celiac when I started trying to get pregnant. I have not had any symptoms of malnutrition, never had a problem gaining weight, and had a very normal pregnancy and perfect baby 10 years ago (no miscarriages in my or my family's past). I am starting the gluten-free diet now, but am worried about how long it will take for my body to be functioning normally for the baby. My normal pregnancy anxiety has increased tenfold with all this information about miscarriages relating to celiac disease!! I have already told everyone and am now freaked out that I might miscarry!

My question is-do my lack of symptoms mean that the damage is not as bad to my small intestine, and are my chances of having a successful pregnancy better than someone who has had worse symptoms up until this point? Any affirmation would be greatly appreciated!

[KayJay]

I would get your doctor up to date with your celiac and just adhere to your diet. I think you should be fine and even better if you don't worry about it. Good luck and Congrats!

[KaitiUSA]

No, some people do not get symptoms with celiac ever but damage will still be occurring. Eevryone is different when it comes to that. It's definitely not something to mess around with.

[tarnalberry]

No, GI symptoms (in particular) are not well correlated with intestinal damage. But don't worry too much, you can only do what you can now do. Stay gluten-free, and eat healthy, and have your doctor check your vitamin and mineral levels. (That's the primary problem with untreated celiac and pregnancy, you don't absorb the needed nutrients. So check them.)

Congrats, and good luck!