Pregnant!

[chilligirl]

Sooooo...On October 13th, I got a positive blood test for celiac. Doc told me not to go gluten-free yet, to wait until after the scope and biopsy, and referred me to the specialist to get those done. Heard from the specialist last week, scheduled my consultation for this coming Wednesday. Saturday I found out I'm pregnant Doc confirmed it today.

Dh and I (and our adopted son) are over-the-moon about this. It's my first pregnancy, and we've been ttc for almost 5 years, including unsuccessful fertility treatments. Because I'm really anemic right now, and because of the celiac, we just figured I wouldn't get pregnant...

So, I'd planned to start the gluten free diet in a couple of months, and kind of ease into it.

I'm gluten free as of today. And I feel super pressured, because it's not just my health at stake now, it's my baby's.

Any words of advice? Anyone been there?

[tarnalberry]

Congratulations!

You *will* get the hang of it. It might be a "bigger project" for you right now, but you'll get there.

Depending on what you're stomach will let you eat, start with whole, naturally gluten free foods - fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy (if you can have it), nuts/seeds, and gluten-free grains like rice/corn/buckwheat/quinoa. Just avoid packaged products until you are confident (or at least comfortable ) with label reading. Yes, you might eat an avocado a day for the first two weeks of pregnancy - well, I did anyway. (It was one of the few things that sounded good.)

Where are you? That will helps us recommend stores.

Also, take a look through at what's needed to "decontaminate" the kitchen. At the least, replacing cutting boards and wooden spoons (and colander) with dedicated equipment is necessary.

[chilligirl]

Thanks!

Today is my second day gluten free. It's going pretty good. Working on wiping the kids' hands after they eat sandwiches (can't afford for everyone to go gluten free), to prevent cross contamination.

Ate out today at a small restaurant I love who is well-versed in celiac and keeps a gluten-free section in the kitchen. Had the sense for the first time of how I have to trust someone when they're making food for me - a tough one as I'm a control freak!

I'm feeling really snacky tonight, which may be gluten withdrawal, or pregnancy, or just the fact that I work nights and tend to snack to stave off boredom, lol.

Got my first pregnancy "craving" yesterday, still going strong - carrot sticks dipped in humous. yummmmmmm!

[Swimmr]

It might be a bit more easy for you to go gluten free since you have another life to worry about. Ya know?

Congratulations!!!

[NicoleAJ]

Congrats on the great news!

Misson corn tortillas are gluten free and a great way to have a quick wrap (and super cheap). I'm 9 weeks pregnant and am having a hard time eating big meals--so I eat several mini-meals throughout the day. Sometimes I'll make myself a little breakfast burrito with eggs, avocado, tomato, cilantro on a tortilla, or I might make what I call a BAT--bacon, avocado, tomato wrap. You have to watch for nitrates and nitrites in pregnancy, so be sure to get the bacon that doesn't have it. I get the nitrate/nitrite free uncured bacon from Niman ranch, which is available at Trader Joe's and at some Whole Foods locations. When I'm in a rush, I might get some of the Amy's organics frozen meals that are gluten free--you just have to pay attention what the box says--I only go with the gluten free foods, but some say "no gluten ingredients," which means it doesn't necessarily contain gluten, but it might be processed on the same equipment as wheat. Also remember to steer clear of lunch meat, not only because some of it is not gluten free or can be subject to cross contamination on the slicer, but also because of the bacteria it can contain that is bad during pregnancy.

Also, Trader Joe's has some really great gluten free granola (if you have one around). I have that with unsweetened yogurt and fruit, and it's really good--it has yummy and healthy stuff like nuts and flax seeds.

Your diet will feel really restricted right now since you are dealing with two issues--pregnancy and celiac. However, you've got some great motivation to keep that little embryo healthy, and when you deliver, you'll have a line of gluten free foods and drinks lined up that you'll now be able to have, and the gluten free diet won't feel that restrictive to you by comparison.