When Can Kids Get Tested?

[Q1821]

I really need some help here, my husband and I want to have kids but I am scared. I was never actually diagnosised with celiac disease, the doctors ran the blood tests but not EDG. Anyway, the blood tests were negative but I had all the symptoms. The docotrs said I had IBS but I didn't believe them, to make a long story short my insurance ran out before I could get anymore testing done (I got married). I've go gluten free and my symptoms have gone away, I know when I eat something that has gluten in it.

Ok having said all that my question(s) are I don't know if I have celiac disease for sure but how should I feed my kids? Gluten free diet for them or not? How old before they can get tested? Will my not eating gluten/wheat affect them after birth?

I really could use any information anyone has, thank you

[jayhawkmom]

Ok... deep breath!! =)

Since you don't have children yet... I would not be concerned with what age they could be tested. Who knows what is on the horizon for Celiac/Gluten Intolerance issues and testing. Things could change drastically in the next year... two years, three years down the road. In fact.... I certainly HOPE so!!

If you know you have issues with gluten.... don't eat it. Period. As long as you are eating a healthy diet, there will be no negative impact on your child/ren.

If you maintain a gluten free home, feed your children the same way you eat. Healthy whole grains, lean meats, veggies, fruits... there's no real "need" for gluten grains in there anyhow. No one needs gluten.

When the time comes - approach the subject with your OB. Our, your child's pediatrician. Some folks never feel it necessary to introduce gluten to their children, especially those who have a strict gluten free house. And, I can tell you right now.... it's MUCH easier when everyone is gluten free!! =)

Lots of luck to you!!! =)

[Kelgs]

This article says you can use the gene test at ANY time. They can even use cord blood. Open Original Shared Link

My husband is celiac and at least 2 of my boys are celiac. We have not given any gluten to our 1 year old yet.

Celiac is not the end of the world I am finding. My boys are doing great! You should be scared to have kids! LOL! They will change your life.... but in wonderful, wonderful ways.

Good luck,

Kelly

Mom of Alex 9 - Gluten free since 1/07

Ethan 6 - Gluten free since 1/07

Zac 1 - has never had gluten

Wife to Mark - Gluten free since 2003

I really need some help here, my husband and I want to have kids but I am scared. I was never actually diagnosised with celiac disease, the doctors ran the blood tests but not EDG. Anyway, the blood tests were negative but I had all the symptoms. The docotrs said I had IBS but I didn't believe them, to make a long story short my insurance ran out before I could get anymore testing done (I got married). I've go gluten free and my symptoms have gone away, I know when I eat something that has gluten in it.

Ok having said all that my question(s) are I don't know if I have celiac disease for sure but how should I feed my kids? Gluten free diet for them or not? How old before they can get tested? Will my not eating gluten/wheat affect them after birth?

I really could use any information anyone has, thank you

[Kibbie]

I really need some help here, my husband and I want to have kids but I am scared. I was never actually diagnosised with celiac disease, the doctors ran the blood tests but not EDG. Anyway, the blood tests were negative but I had all the symptoms. The docotrs said I had IBS but I didn't believe them, to make a long story short my insurance ran out before I could get anymore testing done (I got married). I've go gluten free and my symptoms have gone away, I know when I eat something that has gluten in it.

Ok having said all that my question(s) are I don't know if I have celiac disease for sure but how should I feed my kids? Gluten free diet for them or not? How old before they can get tested? Will my not eating gluten/wheat affect them after birth?

I really could use any information anyone has, thank you

My daughter was diagnosed at 18 months old because she was showing symptoms and was the first in the family to show symptoms. For my next child (not pregnant currently) I plan on having them test him/her for the celiac genes using cord blood right away so that I'll know for school and stuff. (Our entire house is gluten free so its only important for me to know about the gene for outside our home.)

My daughter only got breast milk for 6 months at 6 months we introduced her to solid foods... you can choose to start rice/oatmeal at the point or choose not to and just stick with vegetables and fruits!

The great thing about being gluten free is that anyone with the celiac genes who are gluten free will never develop Celiac Disease! Being gluten free with no harm or hurt a child at all... infact it think my daughter is eating much healthier than most of the other kids her age because of the gluten free diet!