Jump to content
This site uses cookies. Continued use is acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. More Info... ×
  • Welcome to Celiac.com!

    You have found your celiac tribe! Join us and ask questions in our forum, share your story, and connect with others.




  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A1):



    Celiac.com Sponsor (A1-M):


  • Get Celiac.com Updates:
    Support Our Content
    eNewsletter
    Donate

Pregnant With Either Pancreatic Insufficiency Or Colitis- Help!


willabec

Recommended Posts

willabec Contributor

i was taking a pancreatic enzyme and just found out last week that i am pregnant (a surprise since my kids are 10 and 8). i had not taken this enzyme with my prior pregnancies b/c i was not having bowel issues then. started having issues about a year ago. the enzyme did seem to help quite a bit, but just found out that it is a category c med which is not recommended to be taken while pregnant. well, since i have stopped the enzyme, my bowels are horrible! yesterday and today- almost like water!! anyone out there having the same issues with the same possible diagnosis, either pancreatic insufficiency or colitis?? and if so, anything out there that is safe to take while pregnant that will help! it's worse than it was before i was on the enzyme! i am also afraid that the loose bowels/diareaha will harm the fetus. my gi did not think it would, but how could it not.....i mean all the nutrients are ending up in the toilet right? any advice or information would be appreciated!


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



Wolicki Enthusiast

How about eating papaya and pineapple? I think they have the same kinds of enzymes.

NicoleAJ Enthusiast

I'm pregnant and have had watery stools off and on--it hasn't affected my nutrient levels though. I've been trying not to take anything for it, though my OB said I could take Kaopectate if I really needed it. I get bloody stools a lot, and every time I'm tested for Crohn's, the tests come back abnormal and show a lot of bleeding, but they are not perfectly specific for Crohn's. I just avoid leafy vegetables, popcorn, red meat--things that cause me to be in pain, and I take my prenatals and DHA daily.

Is your iron low? If so, then take iron supplements, which will definitely slow things down. I don't know about pancreatic insufficiency, but as far as IBD is concerned, I definitely wouldn't take anything that's category C, especially in the first trimester. The risks would not outweigh the benefits. I haven't taken any drugs at all (I'm 13 weeks now), and the baby is measuring perfectly, the heartbeat is right on track. A lot of women in the pregnancy forum I participate in have been dealing with diarrhea all 3 trimesters, and their babies are doing just fine. Be sure to get important levels checked though--B12, D, thyroid, etc.

willabec Contributor
I'm pregnant and have had watery stools off and on--it hasn't affected my nutrient levels though. I've been trying not to take anything for it, though my OB said I could take Kaopectate if I really needed it. I get bloody stools a lot, and every time I'm tested for Crohn's, the tests come back abnormal and show a lot of bleeding, but they are not perfectly specific for Crohn's. I just avoid leafy vegetables, popcorn, red meat--things that cause me to be in pain, and I take my prenatals and DHA daily.

Is your iron low? If so, then take iron supplements, which will definitely slow things down. I don't know about pancreatic insufficiency, but as far as IBD is concerned, I definitely wouldn't take anything that's category C, especially in the first trimester. The risks would not outweigh the benefits. I haven't taken any drugs at all (I'm 13 weeks now), and the baby is measuring perfectly, the heartbeat is right on track. A lot of women in the pregnancy forum I participate in have been dealing with diarrhea all 3 trimesters, and their babies are doing just fine. Be sure to get important levels checked though--B12, D, thyroid, etc.

thanks for your input....i just had regular blood work done with my pcp and everything checked out ok, i would think my prenatal would have enough iron right? even my celiac panel checked out ok (thank god!!) - had one done just to see if things were working being on the diet (have been for about 8 years now)...i believe as my gi dr. does that it is either pancreatic insufficiency or colitis. i am going to call my ob tomorrow just to check with her and make sure that if these symptoms continue the baby will be ok. things are still very early, so hopefully mother nature is on my side!

NicoleAJ Enthusiast

That's great that all your bloodwork checked out. You shouldn't need extra iron if you're not anemic. Luckily, the baby doesn't really require many calories in the first trimester and the prenatals should give you the nutrients you need. Even with diarrhea, you're probably absorbing more nutrients than you know--since your celiac panel showed that you're following the diet very well. It's always best to call the OB to check. I feel bad for those moms who can't keep any food down. My SIL was vomiting everyday all day until the doc put her on nightly Zofran. Yikes!

willabec Contributor
That's great that all your bloodwork checked out. You shouldn't need extra iron if you're not anemic. Luckily, the baby doesn't really require many calories in the first trimester and the prenatals should give you the nutrients you need. Even with diarrhea, you're probably absorbing more nutrients than you know--since your celiac panel showed that you're following the diet very well. It's always best to call the OB to check. I feel bad for those moms who can't keep any food down. My SIL was vomiting everyday all day until the doc put her on nightly Zofran. Yikes!

i am feeling a little positive, my only concern is that if i can't be on any meds and have to follow a somewhat low fat diet b/c of the pancreatic insufficiency, things i have read on the internet (yes, i know self diagnosing can get you into trouble), is that the baby needs fat from calories to develop. but i will go over all of my questions with my ob, so hopefully all will be good! thanks again!

willabec Contributor
i am feeling a little positive, my only concern is that if i can't be on any meds and have to follow a somewhat low fat diet b/c of the pancreatic insufficiency, things i have read on the internet (yes, i know self diagnosing can get you into trouble), is that the baby needs fat from calories to develop. but i will go over all of my questions with my ob, so hopefully all will be good! thanks again!

ok....i was feeling a little more positive, but today i had some very, i mean very light spotting, i hear that is normal, however, my stools are getting yucky!!! i am afraid to eat for fear that i will be needing a bathroom soon after! i asked my gi about taking pancreatic enzymes that are sold at health food stores. he said that they have not been tested on the pregnant women, but he was ok with me trying them if i was....not sure. will call ob/gyn tomorrow and see what she thinks. i have a feeling that she will tell me not to take them either! if this pregnancy makes it, it is going to be a LONG one! it already feels like forever and it has only been 2 weeks!! UGH. any thoughts or opinions on taking the pancreatic enzymes from the health food store??


Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):
Celiac.com Sponsor (A8):



Celiac.com Sponsor (A8-M):



NicoleAJ Enthusiast

Personally, I wouldn't take anything that could have a completely unanticipated effect on the baby. I know it can be really difficult. My stomach is just recovering today after about 5 days of almost constant D and feeling awful. You should be checked out for the spotting, even though it's probably nothing. You might have a touch of an infection, which could be irritated your cervix. You can also spot after sex or an internal exam though too.

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.


  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A19):



  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      131,262
    • Most Online (within 30 mins)
      7,748

    LiaTom
    Newest Member
    LiaTom
    Joined

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A20):


  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      121.4k
    • Total Posts
      1m

  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A22):





  • Celiac.com Sponsor (A21):



  • Upcoming Events

  • Posts

    • Dana0207
      Thank you so much for your replies. Luckily the rash went away when I completely swore off gluten. It took several months but I have not had a flare in months. So a biopsy is no longer possible. The itch was terrible and apart from bleaching my skin the steroid lotions and potions did nothing. The Gliadin is for accidents and shall be a part of my travel kit from now on. This past exposure has made a me a little leery about eating anything that was not cooked in my kitchen or a dedicated gluten-free restaurant. As much as I used to love baked goods, I am cured and have become quite the gluten free baker to the point that friends and family forget that my cakes/cookies/and bread are not "real". I guess I will have to wait for the new blood test to come out to get confirmation but I have a suspicion that the rash was dermatitis herpetiformis.
    • Jmartes71
      Hello, I just wanted to share with the frustration of skin issues and seeing dermatologist and medications not working for years, I did my own healing experiment. As of last week I have been taking a drop internally under the tongue of Vetiver and putting on topically on sores Yellow/Pom.I am seeing a extreme difference at a rapid time.Im also noticing my nails a little harder. Ive always been into natural properties because I feel its safer for the body.I know short time, but really seeing a difference. I also feel the the trapped gases that causes bloating helps break down as well.Curious if any body else can benefit from and has tried. Products is made by Doterra by Dr Hill
    • Scott Adams
      We have a category of articles on this topic if you really want to dive into it: https://www.celiac.com/celiac-disease/miscellaneous-information-on-celiac-disease/gluten-free-diet-celiac-disease-amp-codex-alimentarius-wheat-starch/
    • Scott Adams
      I agree with @trents, and the rash you described, especially its location and resistance to steroids, sounds highly characteristic of dermatitis herpetiformis, which is the skin manifestation of celiac disease. The severe and prolonged reaction you're describing five days after a small exposure is, while extreme, not unheard of for those with a high sensitivity; the systemic inflammatory response can absolutely last for several days or even weeks, explaining why you still don't feel right. Your plan to avoid a formal gluten challenge is completely understandable given the severity of your reactions, and many choose the same path for their well-being. While experiences with GliadinX (they are a sponsor here) are mixed, some people do report a reduction in the severity of their symptoms when taken with accidental gluten, though it is crucial to remember it is not a cure or a license to eat gluten and its effectiveness can vary from person to person. For now, the absolute best advice is to continue being hyper-vigilant about cross-contamination—buffets are notoriously high-risk, even with good intentions. Connecting with a gastroenterologist and a dermatologist who specialize in celiac disease is essential for navigating diagnosis and management moving forward. Wishing you a swift recovery from this last exposure. If you have DH you will likely also want to avoid iodine, which is common in seafoods and dairy products, as it can exacerbate symptoms in some people. This article may also be helpful as it offers various ways to relieve the itch:  
    • Scott Adams
      So just to be cautious, there is a big difference between cured, and responding to their medication. I assume you mean that your daughter responded well while taking KAN-101 during the trial, but the drug would not cure celiac disease, but may manage it while you are taking it. Let me know if I got this right.
×
×
  • Create New...