Recently Diagnosed And 5 Weeks Pregnant...help!

[kprince]

My husband and I were unsuccessfully trying to get pregnant ( IUI) and took this last month off ( because I just thought something else was wrong). My stool just seemed to be "not natural." No matter what I ate, it would always be that same tar/fatty stool consistency. Long story short, got tested, have celiacs, and while not worrying about all the infertility stuff, we got pregnant this month. So I am 5 weeks pregnant and after reading everytone's input about waiting at least 6 months...I am freaking out ( which can not be good for the baby either). I literally just went to Trader Joes today and am following a strict gluton free diet as of today, but what can I do? I am meeting with my infertility doctor tomorrow for an initial ultrasound ( there will be no heart beat, but they want to see the sack etc), and I want to know what is needed ( just in case he does not).

#1. Is there any specific blood tests I should have done to see if I am lacking iron, folic acid, calcium?

#2. They have me on PrimaCare One prenatals. Is this OK? Should I be on extra folic acid?

#3. When you all would talk about celiacs bringing on early miscarriages, is that before 12 weeks or sooner?

#4. Please tell me ANY AND ALL advice I should know and require my doctor to do? OF there are specific tests/food/vitamins etc., please let me know!!!

I have never been on a forum before but you all have been so helpful with everyone's questions and I just hope someone can do the same for me. I am really scared and can use any advice you have. Thank you all inadvance for all the helpful information I have gathered from previous emails!!!

[dandelionmom]

Try not to worry yet. I had 3 healthy babies while still undiagnosed and on a regular diet. Best wishes for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

[ShayFL]

First relax. I also had a baby undiagnosed. If your baby is meant to come into this world at this time he/she will. Start talking to the baby. Tell them that you love them no matter what and that you will do everything you can to make sure they are healthy. And tell yourself what a good Mommy you will be and that celiac is not your fault.

They can test your ferritin, folic acid and calcium. Get Vit. D checked also.

Make sure your pre-natals are gluten free.

[Phyllis28]

#2. They have me on PrimaCare One prenatals. #

Check with the company that makes PrimaCare One. If the information is not on the website call them.

Another option is to look for a prenatal vitamin that you know is gluten free. I only buy vitamins that say "Gluten Free" on the bottle. Costco has a prenatal that I believe is gluten free. Check the back of the bottle. Also, look at Nature Made vitamins. I have yet to find one that is does not say "Gluten Free" on the bottle. They are sold in health food stores and at Costco.

Hope everything goes well.

[kprince]

First relax. I also had a baby undiagnosed. If your baby is meant to come into this world at this time he/she will. Start talking to the baby. Tell them that you love them no matter what and that you will do everything you can to make sure they are healthy. And tell yourself what a good Mommy you will be and that celiac is not your fault.

They can test your ferritin, folic acid and calcium. Get Vit. D checked also.

Make sure your pre-natals are gluten free.

That is such great information. I wrote them down and will get checked tomorrow. If there are any problems with the items you listed above, is there anything I can take to help my body better absorb them? If I take too much, can that too cause problems?

[kprince]

Check with the company that makes PrimaCare One. If the information is not on the website call them.

Another option is to look for a prenatal vitamin that you know is gluten free. I only buy vitamins that say "Gluten Free" on the bottle. Costco has a prenatal that I believe is gluten free. Check the back of the bottle. Also, look at Nature Made vitamins. I have yet to find one that is does not say "Gluten Free" on the bottle. They are sold in health food stores and at Costco.

Hope everything goes well.

Thanks for the adice. I actually just called them and the man I spoke with sounded like he was reading a statement that said bascially said that they have not identified any gluten (barley, rye, oat etc.) in their products. Does that mean it is OK? Sorry I am sounding totally clueless, but it is really hard to figure out what I can use if it doesn't specifically say "Gluten-free."

[slmprofesseur]

Don't worry! I had a healthy baby undiagnosed- my 2nd was a little early (33 wks) due to undetected wheat allergy. I have Kroger brand vitamins and they clearly label allergens. This one has soy.

Good luck!

[snoopylian]

Relax. Breathe. Knowing that you have celiac disease at this stage is fantastic. There is so much that can be avoided. Your body will be healthier than ever since you now have this knowledge. Join a local support group, some groups have sponsors to help newly diagnosed people (do a search on the net like "gluten free support group dallas"). Get a couple of phone numbers of people you can call. The first month of diagnosis is tough for everyone. You will make mistakes, everyone does. I would ask my doctor if he could do a complete panel to check all vitamin and mineral levels. Also, I would seek the advice of a nutritionist who has experience with celiacs. Are you near a Whole Foods store? Aside from foods you need to check all personal hygiene (sp???) products (shampoo, lotions, makeup, etc.). But, please relax. One step at a time. yOU'LL DO FINE.

Lillian

[HiDee]

Make sure to eat lots of snacks very frequently (every couple of hours), always include some protein in your snacks (nuts, cheese, meats, etc.), as this will help with nausea. Just stick with basics at first, veggies, meats fruit, rice etc. and you should be fine. Rice cakes (lundberg's are gluten free and some quaker rice cakes are fine - read the ingredients, I always buy the quaker apple cinnamon) with peanut butter are a good snack. Drink lots of water and get extra rest/naps if possible. Ginger also helps with nausea. You can make a lovely tea with the root or buy ginger chews (they are gluten free from the "ginger people") for on the go.

ONESOURCE brand prenatals at Walmart are also labeled gluten free but it sounds like your vitamins are probably safe. Good luck and try to de-stress, I know I tend to get sick if I get too stressed and that's probably not the best for me or the baby!