Positive Blood Tests For Celiacs While Pregnant

[Cvrcek]

Hi there,

I am new to this site, found it as I was researching celiac disease.... I am 32 weeks pregnant with my second baby, have 1 year old son. I have just been told that I had positive blood tests for celiac disease and that the there is 95-98% this will be confirmed with further investigation. I am not seeing a specialist until 3 weeks from now, which means I'll be 35 weeks and probably to close to my due date to arrange for any other tests, so was adviced to go on gluten free diet for time being and then have the tests done after the birth. I did not have very obvious symptoms, although lots of things fell into place when I was told that I most likely have celiac disease. When I look back I had periods of upset stomach after I had my son, for weeks but not dramatically so never did anything about it. When I got pregnant again I became very anemic and although taking iron tablets it did not improve very much. And it was only when I insisted on having some tests done following again long period of upset stomach and diorhea, that my GP eventually did the blood tests.... Now I worry, that my body hasn't been absorbing properly nutritions during this pregnancy and whether it might have affected the baby. Also I obviously don't know when the illness was triggered off, I only asume it was during or after my first pregnancy, but could not being on gluten free diet through most of my second pregnancy had a bad effect on my baby? Are there any complications associated with celiac disease and later pregnancy or birth? Would it make at least some difference that I am starting the diet? I think I am probably overanxious, but there is a lot to take in and I think I am still trying to get my head around the news... I know that many people wait years and years for diagnosis and in a way I am glad that I might have an idea what's wrong fairly quickly.....If anybody can offer me some answers, I'll be grateful. Thanks

Petra

[Lisa]

Welcome! And congratulations on your pregnancy.

If there is a clear indication that you may have Celiac Disease, it's essential that you begin the diet immediately.

Consuming gluten sets off an autoimmune response which takes place in your small intestines, resulting in your body attacking itself.

The villi, which are the receptors for all nourishment that supports the body, are damaged in this "attack".

Vital nourishment cannot get to you or the baby.

Beginning the diet can be challenging at the start, but this forum will guide you though.

[Coleslawcat]

Hi there,

I am new to this site, found it as I was researching celiac disease.... I am 32 weeks pregnant with my second baby, have 1 year old son. I have just been told that I had positive blood tests for celiac disease and that the there is 95-98% this will be confirmed with further investigation. I am not seeing a specialist until 3 weeks from now, which means I'll be 35 weeks and probably to close to my due date to arrange for any other tests, so was adviced to go on gluten free diet for time being and then have the tests done after the birth. I did not have very obvious symptoms, although lots of things fell into place when I was told that I most likely have celiac disease. When I look back I had periods of upset stomach after I had my son, for weeks but not dramatically so never did anything about it. When I got pregnant again I became very anemic and although taking iron tablets it did not improve very much. And it was only when I insisted on having some tests done following again long period of upset stomach and diorhea, that my GP eventually did the blood tests.... Now I worry, that my body hasn't been absorbing properly nutritions during this pregnancy and whether it might have affected the baby. Also I obviously don't know when the illness was triggered off, I only asume it was during or after my first pregnancy, but could not being on gluten free diet through most of my second pregnancy had a bad effect on my baby? Are there any complications associated with celiac disease and later pregnancy or birth? Would it make at least some difference that I am starting the diet? I think I am probably overanxious, but there is a lot to take in and I think I am still trying to get my head around the news... I know that many people wait years and years for diagnosis and in a way I am glad that I might have an idea what's wrong fairly quickly.....If anybody can offer me some answers, I'll be grateful. Thanks

Petra

From the research I have done since being diagnosed, including talking to my ob, celiac can cause quite a few nasty problems if not a gluten free diet during pregnancy. It can be associated with miscarriage, some birth defects like spina bifida and cleft palate, and low birth weight. The good news is that many many women go through pregnancy with celiac and don't know it and have perfectly healthy babies. I did it twice before I was diagnosed and both of my children were solid weights and healthy. Plus, your u/s would have picked up on the spina bifida or cleft palate. But it can still cause problems later in pregnancy so now that you know it is a good idea to go gluten free now. I was TTC when I got diagnosed, but put that on hold for at least 3-6 months to give my body some time to heal and me a chance to adjust to the new diet. Congratulations on your baby!