Pregnancy

[Nicole-25]

I was just diagnosed with Celiac a couple weeks ago and have been gluten free for 3 weeks now and just starting to learn the changes and what i can and cant have is all new to me

Then yesterday i found out i was 4.5 weeks pregnant. Was wondering how celiac disease affects pregnancy and is there anything special i need to do or precautions i need to take

[cruelshoes]

Congratulations on your impending parenthood. My baby is about to turn 1 next month. First and foremost, you should be vigilant about your GF diet while you are pregnant (well, all the time, but especially when you are pregnant). Celiacs exposed to gluten risk nutritional deficiencies which is not a good thing while pregnant.

Secondly, you should address any nutritional defficiences you already have from before your diagnosis. Low iron and B-12 are very common. Check with your doctor about any specific areas you need to focus on. A prenatal vitamin with at least 800 mcg of folic acid is very important to prevent neural tube defects.

For morning sickness, the saltines I used in my pre-CD pregnancies were off limits. I snacked on dry cereal and GF crackers.

As long as you are following the GF diet, your pregnancy should be no different than anyone else's. I had 2 preemies before I was diagnosed. My baby after I was diagnosed was full term. Now I am done. Period! No more kids!
_________________
-Colleen
Dx 8/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
9-YO son Dx 11/05 via bloodwork/biopsy
Daughters have negative bloodwork - so far!

A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. - Eleanor Roosevelt

[RD/LD]

Hi Nicole,

Congratulations on your pregnancy! Colleen makes some excellent points about being tested now for any deficiencies you have currently. You're going to need a crash course in gluten-free eating and living. Have you been referred to a skilled Dietitian in your area yet? You really need to ask your doctor for a referral to one who understands prenatal and celiac. If you want to PM me I'd be happy to help you find someone in your area. You'll also want to make sure you find a local support group ASAP too. Making sure you're gluten-free and free from cross contamination is going to ensure you have a healthy pregnancy with optimal nutrition as well as gut healing. Mal-absorption is something that should be monitored.

Other vitamins and minerals commonly found deficient in celiac to be aware of:
Calcium
Magnesium
phosphorus
potassium
vitamin D, K
B1,B2,B3, B6, Folic Acid, B12
zinc

And make sure you get a good DHA, EPA and ALA supplement in an oil based capsule. Any a good fish oil cap (tested for mercury) fish oil should be good if you don't eat fish. But be sure and stay away from large fish due to mercury....Tuna, Swordfish, shark, king mackerel or tile fish. See this link for more information regarding fish and pregnancy: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fishadvice/advice.html
DHA, EPA and ALA are essential fatty acids necessary in brain development.

Congratulations again on your wonderful news.
_________________
Debra,
RD/LD

[aklap]