Recurrent Miscarriage

[rachy]

Hi Everyone

I have only just discovered this web page and I am very excited to have found it. I was diagnosed celiac 2.5 years ago and have been gluten free (as best as I can) for this time. I am finding that I accidentally get glutened often at the moment.This has happened by ingesting some of my face scrub on one occassion, to cross contamination etc etc. I have been ill alot this year and have realised that I am now having a "acute" response to gluten as opposed to a chronic response. I am very sensitive and I am frustrated by how difficult being gluten-free has become. I am 100% happy to be gluten-free it has positively changed my life, its just I am reacting to soooo many things even tinned beans that appear gluten-free however I am reacting so they must contain some through cross contamination in the processing process...

Any way enough ofa rant about that, this was not my purpose in writing this forum. The question I have is whether there is anyone else here who has been gluten-free a while and has had recurrent miscarriages? We have now had 10 pregnancies in three years, one being ectopic and nine being miscarriages. It has been a really tough road for us and I have been to both western and eastern medical professionals for help. We have tried IVF although had the same outcome with that process also. We believe that I have continued to have problems due to accidental gluten issues or some other celiac related issue. Can anyone give me some information on this?

Thanks

Rachy

[kaki-clam]

I'm truly sorry about the miscarriages...having never been pregnant myself...I can't imagine the pain that must be causing you.

Since I can't really provide help with the pregnancies, I thought I might be able to offer some info on beans....gluten free or otherwise...

I don't eat a lot of meat, so when I went gluten free 13 months ago, I ate a lot of beans...and had a horrible time getting better...After a few months, I found other things to eat and laid of the beans for a while....now....10 months later, I turned back to beans, only to find that I exhibit glutening type symptoms when I eat them....I tried out this theory by making 100% gluten free maine bean pot beans...same result...I guess I just can't tolerate beans anymore...perhaps the same for you....

[cassP]

what about vitamin deficiencies or Hypothyroid?? both of which are EXTREMELY common with Celiacs. and i THINK these two also can contribute to pregnancy/fertility issues.??? it's definitely worth looking in to!!!

and also like above poster said- maybe additional food intolerances are hindering your intestinal healing- and maybe that has an effect too..idk?? many have issues with soy, corn, grains, and dairy. i ALSO have a fructose/fructans problem-> google: The FodMap Diet (some of these foods actually cause me more pain than gluten).

anyways, i personally am suspecting thyroid issues- so tied in with your hormones and Celiac.

[RideAllWays]

I miscarried at 16 weeks and had been gluten-free a year... So sorry for your losses, I understand how hard it is. I don't know if it would be gluten-related or if it just your body telling you you aren't ready/healthy enough yet. it's not fair, and shouldn't happen to anybody. hugs.

[mushroom]

From reading other posters on this forum, there really does seem to be a link between gluten and fertility issues. Although, that being said, being gluten free usually seems to resolve those issues in most cases. I am so sorry that you are suffering such losses.

Can you tell us how long you have been experiencing recurring "glutened" type symptoms? Have your illnesses resulted from seeming gluten, or have they been due to an unrelated problem?

I am wondering if you have had all your nutrient levels check since going gluten free? I am sure the IVF clinic would have tested those, surely?. I agree if you haven't had your thyroid tested that should be done. But it is also possible that you are reacting to some other foods besides gluten. Lots of us develop intolerance/sensitivity to other foods; in fact gluten is the least of my reactions now Lots of celiacs have adverse reactions to corn and to soy; many more react to nightshade plants (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant). Some like me react to legumes as well. Of course your talking about the tinned beans made me think of this. Perhaps you could try keeping a food diary and see if you can figure out from that what you are reacting to specifically. It could well be if you are constantly reacting to foods that this is impacting on your ability to carry a child to term. It would be worthwhile to find out if you are in fact reacting to other foods or if it is, as you suspect, cross-contamination. If you suspect cc, then you would do best to avoid foods that are processed on shared lines or facilities to reduce this risk, and double check all your personal care products, OTC meds and scrips to make sure gluten is not sneaking in. Is your house gluten free or do you share it with gluten eaters? That could be a source of contamination for sure.

[Emilushka]

There is a known link between Celiac disease and infertility, although as far as I know nobody knows why or if the risk is lessened by being on the diet.

For all of you who have lost babies to miscarriage, my heart goes out to you. I'm sorry for your losses.

[K8ling]

I just had my 4th miscarriage in 3 years, although I did get my amazing 2 year old son. It's so hard and I wish I could tell you that being gluten-free fixed it, but I seem to get pregnant easily and have trouble with them sticking. I'm not sure if being gluten-free longer is necessary (I was diagnosed in April and got pregnant in July) but I have a feeling that when one DOES stick I won't be as sick as I was with my son.

((hugs))

[MelindaLee]

I am SOOO sorry for your loss. I don't have any advice related to your questions, but I just wanted tell you how sorry I am. I have a couple close friends who have lost babies...I know how difficult it can be. (((HUGS)))