Seeing A Specialist While Pregnant For Celiac Disease

[maddycat]

I am 12 weeks pregnant. At my first prenatal appointment with my ob we discussed my celiac disease. I told her I have been gluten free for 2 years now and my levels are good. She mentioned that they would probably do growth scans starting after 20 weeks (I guess I can't complain that I will get to have more ultrasounds to see the baby more) but is this necessary? I do have full insurance coverage so I won't have to pay anything out of pocket.

They also scheduled an appointment for me with a high-risk perinatologist for next week. I'm not really sure why I have this appointment. Has anyone else had special appointments due to having celiac disease?

From everything I have read, once on a gluten free diet, there are no higher risk of complications than that of the general population.

Thanks!

Marcia

[jitters]

Hi,

When I was pregnant my doctor also scheduled extra scans and was very proactive in learning about celiac, etc. I didn't have to go to a high risk doctor though. As long as we were both doing ok my doctor felt it wasn't neccessary. Getting the scans was great! Also, I should note that I had a scheduled C-section due to a previous one. While I was in the hospital my doctor put a block on my food so that even if I wanted to order gluten the kitchen WOULD NOT deliver it. Looking back, I was very lucky to have had a doctor that knew so much about celiac.

Congratulations on the pregnancy!

[jitters]

Sorry, I guess I didn't really answer your question! No, I don't think so many scans and seeing a specialist is *neccessary*, but I do think its good they take a little more time and care in the celiac pregnancy. Growth of the fetus is important to watch in any pregnancy, and when the mother has celiac it can cause problems so they want to make sure the baby is growing. As far as a specialist goes- thats out of my league but if you aren't having problems with your pregnancy I don't see why you'd need to go see a different doctor. Its up to you though, and remember I don't know your medical history or anything- maybe your doctor is just being extra careful.

I hope that helped a little!

[WW340]

I would guess that your doctor wants you to be established with a high risk perinatologist in case this person is needed in the future. It is much easier to get an emergency consultation if you are already established.

I think your doctor should be commended for taking your celiac disease seriously. Relax and enjoy the pregnancy. It sounds like you are in very good hands and your doctor is just looking out for you and your baby.