Pregnancy and Celiac Disease: Symptoms, Risks, and Management Through Gluten-Free Diet

By Nikitha Patel|3 - 4 mins read| October 07, 2024

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects nearly one percent of people around the world. Of these, almost 80 percent of people with celiac disease remain undiagnosed. In patients with celiac disease, consuming gluten triggers an immune response that poses significant damage to the small intestine.

Read this article to find out what celiac disease is, its symptoms, complications, and how it could be managed with the aid of a gluten-free diet.

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac disease is a chronic autonomic disorder that primarily affects the small intestine. In this, when a person with celiac disease consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, their immune system triggers the immune system to attack the villi in the small intestine. Villi are responsible for absorbing nutrients from food. This immune response leads to inflammation, significant damage to the intestinal lining, and other gastrointestinal concerns.

How Can Celiac Disease Affect Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is that phase that requires adequate nutrients to support a baby's growth. If a gluten-free diet is not adhered to, there are several complications that may arise.

  • Nutrient Deficiency

Celiac disease poses a potential danger to the intestine and its ability to absorb the nutrients. Therefore, there might be deficiencies of nutrients such as folic acid, calcium, vitamin D, and iron needed for both mother’s and baby’s health.

  • Miscarriage and StillBirth

Women who have an improper diet are likely to have a higher chance of miscarriage or a stillbirth, specifically due to malnutrition or immune-related aspects.

  • Premature Birth

Women with celiac diseases are at a higher chance of giving a preterm birth. Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation period are at a significant risk of various health concerns and delays in achieving developmental milestones.

  • Low Birth Weight

Babies who are born to women with celiac diseases typically have a low birth weight.

  • Intrauterine Growth Restriction

Inadequate absorption of nutrients results in poor growth of the fetus in the womb, which contributes to long-term health concerns.

Symptoms of Celiac Disease in Pregnant Women

Most symptoms of celiac disease might be similar to pregnancy symptoms. However, some of the key indications of this condition include

  • Gastrointestinal concerns such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or pain in the abdomen
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness due to nutritional deficiencies
  • Muscle cramps
  • Bone pain
  • A skin rash or dermatitis herpetiformis specifically
  • Weight loss or difficulty in gaining weight

Consuming a Gluten-Free Diet

A strict gluten-free diet is the key to managing celiac disease. Moreover, besides avoiding obvious sources of gluten, it is also important to identify the hidden gluten present in processed foods and medications.

What Should You Avoid?

Here’s what you should completely abstain from including in your diet.

  • Wheat: Found in breads, pasta, cereals, baked, and processed food
  • Barley: Found in soups, malts, beer, and specific flavorings
  • Rye: Found in whiskey and some cereals
  • Oats: While oats are gluten-free, it is recommended to only consume oats that mention gluten-free.

What Are Some Naturally Gluten-Free Foods?

Here’s some food that is naturally gluten-free to include in your diet.

  • Fresh, frozen, and dried fruits and vegetables
  • Fresh meat, fish, and sea food
  • Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
  • Gluten-free grains like rice, millet, corn, amaranth, and quinoa
  • Beans, lentils, and chickpeas
  • Nuts and seeds

Read All The Labels Carefully

In processed foods, gluten is hidden under several names, like malt, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, food starch, and dextrin. Therefore, carefully check the label for gluten-free certifications.

Balanced Meals

It is important to include foods rich in nutrients, such as folic acid, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, to ensure adequate nutrient intake. Don't forget to intake enough fiber from fruits, vegetables, and cereals. You can also seek recommendations from your dietician to manage celiac disease.

Takeaway

Celiac disease can be managed by an effective gluten-free diet. For pregnant women, it becomes even more important to avoid any health complications to both the baby and her health. If you notice any complications, seek your healthcare provider at the earliest.

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Written by Nikitha Patel

Last Updated: Mon Oct 07 2024

This disclaimer informs readers that the views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the above blog/article text are the personal views of the author, and not necessarily reflect the views of The ParentZ. Any omission or errors are the author's and we do not assume any liability or responsibility for them.

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