5 answers

New Pregnancy and Just Diagnosed with Celiac Disease

I've learned two life-changing things this week. One, I'm expecting baby number three! Two, I have Celiac disease. From talking to my doctor (a Naturopath) and reading online, it sounds like there's a lot of risk involved with managing Celiac disease during pregnancy. If I screw up and have wheat, even in a small amount, my body will create antibodies that it could use against the fetus causing either a miscarriage or growth retardation. This has me freaked out...especially since I've been having wheat almost every day so far and though it's still early on, I'm afraid that I may have already done some harm to the baby. In a way the diagnoses is an answer to prayer because I now have a reason why I've been struggling with Rheumatoid Arthritis for the last two years (apparently Celiac disease is the cause of many auto-immune problems). But, this couldn't have happened at a scarier time!

I've also heard that Celiac disease can be passed onto your baby when nursing. I nursed both of my older kids for over a year when I didn't realize I had it and though they've not shown sensitivities to any foods yet, I'm still worried about how it may have effected them. Has anyone else had to deal with this? Any words of wisdom or to ease my mind?

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

Thank you so much to all of you who offered your reassurances and suggestions, not to mention the great recipes! I feel much better about dealing with this now. I already saw my ob-gyn and so far my pregnancy looks normal and healthy. They did an ultrasound and it was sooo nice to see that strong little heartbeat! I did ask my doctor about doing the additional Celiac tests, but I'd have to eat wheat for four weeks to get an accurate result. My husband and I decided that this was not the best timing for that...especially since I've responded very well to going gluten-free. Maybe after the pregnancy. Meanwhile, my naturopath has me on supplements to support my system that are safe during pregnancy. Overall I've been feeling really good with not much joint pain and have found many new things I can eat which help me not miss my old lifestyle quite as much. Thanks again to all of you!

More Answers

Hello and congratulations on your pregnancy, and also on your diagnosis.

I am a mom of Celiac kids and I'm glad to tell you that the info you are getting about damage to your fetus and breastfeeding is wrong. It is really wrong. Please go to an endocrinologist who is experienced in Celiac Disease for your information. Emanuel Hospital has some good ones.

You Can NOT pass Celiac Disease to anyone in any way except genetically. If your children have the gene for CD, they already have the gene. Doesn't mean they will have active CD as you do, but they have the chance. Without the gene you will never get it. With the gene you might.

Research shows that babies with the CD gene who are breatfed resist CD for longer than babies who are bottle fed. Breast feeding is great for babies of CD parents. I don't want to give you much more info, I really think you should see a specialist and not listen to anyone (even me)who doesn't know what they are talking about.

Please go and get some appropriate, expert advice. CD does not have to be dangerous or upsetting if treated well.

2 moms found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

I don't have any advice for you, but I will be praying for you.
I'm at the beginning of a pregnancy myself and it is so easy to get freaked about the possible things that could go wrong. I just remind myself that God is in control.

2 moms found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

Hi J.,

I am not pregnant currently nor do I have celiac, but my friend was just diagnosed with it and as Liz said it is genetic, not passed through pregnancy or breast milk. A simple blood test can tell you if your children have it. My friend self diagnosed herself and then was tested and it was positive. Then she had to have a biopsy to confirm the blood test and I guess see how bad it was. They took a little biopsy out of her intestine and it confirmed it. She had her son tested and he was negative. I agree with Liz see a specialist, everything you were told sounds a little off.

Take care of yourself,

J.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

First of all Congratulations!!! I too am newly pregnant with number 3 ours was quite a suprise. I personally havn't even heard of Celiac disease. I have found wonderful support on the ivillage message boards so far this pregnancy. I searched ivillage boards for you and found this : http://messageboards.ivillage.com/iv-bhceliac?ice=ivl,sea...
I hope this helps. I wish you all the best for the next 9 months.
W.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

Hi J.. I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. Trying to eat right is so stressful when you are pregnant and especially if you are dealing with something like Celiac disease. I have a wheat sensitivity (so not even close to Celiac's but I have learned a ton about how to eat "gluten-free." If you are not familiar with this way of eating, it can be VERY overwhelming. For me, I have actually had to eliminate grains of ANY kind out of my diet and not just gluten grains. This for me includes rice, corn, oats, and any other grain you can think of. It has been challenging but I have found some great products that have helped me get through. If you can have rice, you have a whole world of products available to you like rice pasta (lundberg farms makes a reall good one). There are also a lot of gluten-free flours and mixes available at the store now (mostly Whole Foods and New Seasons). You may already know of a few good online resources, but I know a lot of moms love www.glutenfreemom.com for helpful tips and recipes for living gluten-free.

I know it's hard not to worry, but we have to realize that we always do the best we can with the information that we have at the time. I pray for you that you can put your worry to rest and that you will get some great advice from others in this group.

1 mom found this helpful

Helpful? Yes | No Report This

Next question: Celiac Disease

Explore Mamapedia

New Hope after pregnancy am i pregnant blood disease by pregnancy week by pregnancy week week celiac disease diagnoses miscarriage naturopath online pregnancy pregnancy pregnancy by week pregnancy test pregnancy week pregnancy week by pregnancy week by week rheumatoid arthritis the seasons week by week pregnancy

Related Questions

Required Fields

Our records show that we already have a Mamapedia or Mamasource account created for you under the email address you entered.

Please enter your Mamapedia or Mamasource password to continue signing in.

Cancel Login
Forgot Password?
Required Fields

, you’re almost done...

Since this is the first time you are logging in to Mamapedia with Facebook Connect, please provide the following information so you can participate in the Mamapedia community.

As a member, you’ll receive optional email newsletters and community updates sent to you from Mamapedia, and your email address will never be shared with third parties.

By clicking "Continue to Mamapedia", I agree to the Mamapedia Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Cancel Login