Celiac and pregnancy

[Caite-Aynes]

I have been told by my nutritionist that I most likely have Celiac, after I cut out all gluten a month ago on a whim to try to lose weight. I have been lactose intolerant since I can remember, always fatigued, anemic, bloated and was diagnosed with IBS as a teen. Well after that conversation everything started clicking. I've also had multiple miscarriages with no determinable reason (4 pregnancies and 1 living child.) I just found out today that I am pregnant. I am trying not to panic and am determined to stick to the Celiac lifestyle to keep myself and my baby healthy. The problem is that I haven't been officially tested yet. I don't know what this means for me or my pregnancy yet. I'm in unknown territory and more than a little worried. 

 

[Wheatwacked]

Congratulation. If you count a trial GFD you know. You can get tested afterward. Make sure you get enough folate, choline, iodine in addition to the other B vitamins.

Iodine and fertility: do we know enough?

Choline-what it is, and why it's as important in pregnancy as Folate

 A recent study found women taking 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily had the greatest benefits in preventing preterm labor/births and infections. Why do I need Vitamin D during pregnancy?

[plumbago]

Never undertake a gluten challenge when pregnant.

If not pregnant, the Celiac Disease Foundation recommends the following: "If you are currently on a gluten-free diet, your physician may recommend a gluten challenge to allow antibodies to build in your bloodstream prior to testing. NASPGHAN recommends eating roughly 2 servings of gluten, equivalent to 2 slices of wheat-based bread, daily for 6-8 weeks prior to testing.

--but again--

"A gluten challenge is not recommended before the age of 5 or during puberty. Never undertake a gluten challenge when pregnant."

When was the last time you were eating gluten? If it's relatively recently, you might just try the blood tests anyway. The only other thing I can think of at the moment is a genetic test, but that's likely fairly complicated and expensive. In any event, talk to your doctor to see what she or he advises.

And congratulations! 🎈😃❤️

[Caite-Aynes]

A few weeks ago I had some gluten (gold fish crackers are still a weakness) but I had some GI issues immediately after so I've stayed the heck away. I may just get it done after I have my DL to play it safe. 

[Caite-Aynes]

I think I can get that from a good quality prenatal vitamin, but ai wonder if I need to supplement even more because of a lot of the deficiencies a GFD can have in those vitamins and minerals. Luckily I go to my GP in a few days for my weight loss weigh in so I will have an opportunity to ask her.

[trents]

Are you on prenatal vitamins? Celiac disease typically creates vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of the damage done to the lining ("villi") of the small bowel where all nutrition is absorbed. I wold certainly make sure you are on a folate supplement to guard against neural tube defects in the womb as your baby develops. And as others have said, B vitamins and D3 are very important. Make sure all your supplements are gluten free. Wheat starch is sometimes used in pills as a filler.

[Caite-Aynes]

1 minute ago, trents said:

Are you on prenatal vitamins? Celiac disease typically creates vitamin and mineral deficiencies because of the damage done to the lining ("villi") of the small bowel where all nutrition is absorbed. I wold certainly make sure you are on a folate supplement to guard against neural tube defects in the womb as your baby develops. And as others have said, B vitamins and D3 are very important. Make sure all your supplements are gluten free. Wheat starch is sometimes used in pills as a filler.

I just found out a few hours ago, definitely picking some up in the AM where I am at. I have D3, zinc, and Omega complex until then, I'm definitely going to consult my DR in a few days since I have an appointment that was unrelated to this in a few days

[knitty kitty]

You may want to wait until after your doctor appointment to start taking vitamins.  

Your doctor may want to do blood tests for deficiencies.  Taking a vitamin supplement before the test may mask any deficiencies you actually have.  The blood tests for vitamin deficiencies would reflect the increased levels in your blood from the vitamin supplements.  

Vitamin deficiency symptoms can occur before a deficiency is seen in the blood work.  

For vitamin deficiency tests, don't take vitamin supplements beforehand.