Pregnant - Need Help!

[dionnek]

I just found out I am pregnant (didn't think it was possible since we had such a hard time with our first, and I haven't had a period in 3 years!). I was dx with celiac 6 months ago and am gluten-free and pretty much dairy free (except for the occasional cheese and ice cream which doesn't seem to bother me like milk does) - how do I get enough calcium for my baby with this diet? I'm taking a prenatal vitamin now and a calcium pill w/D separately, and I try to eat broccoli 3-4 times/week and salmon about once a week, but I'm not sure what else I can do. Any insight on being pregnant and gluten-free? I'm very concerned as we did not plan on having another baby, and got lucky with the first one (she has the celiac gene but does not have celiac - yet anyway)!

[happygirl]

Congratulations! What an exciting time for you and your family

I don't have much to add to what you are doing, but I'm sure some of the mothers or recently pregnant mothers will chime in. There have been quite a few threads on here recently about pregnancy....what a happy thing!

I have two pieces of advice: the book mentioned in my signature, because he has a great chapter on pregnancy/fertility, plus its just has so much other great celiac info. second.....ENJOY

[AmyTopolski]

Hi,

Last time I was pregnant I was not gluten free, but had a lot of trouble gaining weight. I ended up drinking 3 ensures a day to get the calories and nutrtion I needed for our baby. She was only in the 2% for weight and size while I was pregnant. I'm not positive on that being gluten or dairy free so you might want to check on that. It worked very well for me. Hope that helps.

Amy

[dionnek]

Congratulations! What an exciting time for you and your family

I don't have much to add to what you are doing, but I'm sure some of the mothers or recently pregnant mothers will chime in. There have been quite a few threads on here recently about pregnancy....what a happy thing!

I have two pieces of advice: the book mentioned in my signature, because he has a great chapter on pregnancy/fertility, plus its just has so much other great celiac info. second.....ENJOY

Thanks - I had actually been thinking about getting that book, so now I think I will. Just read Donna Korn's Wheat Free Worry Free and it was good for a beginner, but doesn't go into pregnancy issues (had some good recipes and shopping lists though, and good information in general). It is exciting if not a little scary with the celiac this time around!

[happygirl]

You are welcome!

Please keep us updated. It is so good to hear of happy things happening to great Celiacs

[twtums]

Congratulations! Really dairy isn't your best source of calcium anyway, the other ingredients in it actually leach calcium out of your bone so not being able to do dairy really isn't a concern. Green leafy veggies are the best for calcium and a supplement (which I take as well). I'm not concerned about not doing dairy (although I do cheat once in awhile, it doesn't seem to bother me). I do make sure to take my supplement though and make sure it has Vit D in it too.

For the rest, I just eat like I normally do, just more. Lots of things made out of rice and corn, veggies, fruits etc. So far I am fine on the weight gain (I'm 21 weeks) and baby is measuring well. From everything I read it's so much more harmful not to be on the diet for baby so I don't worry about it. Most of the stuff I crave with gluten really isn't that great for me anyways (pizza, cake, cake, um more cake )

BTW, finding out I was gluten-intolerant is why I am pregnant so I'm loving it!

[Mia H]

Congratulations on baby.

I too am gluten free / dairy free and am 17 weeks along. My first two babies were big (for me)

8lb 10oz and 9lb 9oz. This will be my first preg gluten-free/cf and I am much smaller this time. I was even worried the baby wasn't growing but I went in and am measuring fine. Perhaps that baby will be smaller this time.

I wouldn't worry too much about the calcium, sounds like you are doing well. The baby will get what they need from your body and you are on a supplement. I was worried about Calcium too and my naturopath said people don't need as much as is recommended (1000-1200mg a day). He said this because most Calciums out there aren't absorbed well such as calcium carbonate. You barely absorb any.

I agree with the green leafy vegetables. Any time you can get it naturally the way God made us I think is the best bet.

Mia