All you need to know about coeliac disease and pregnancy

Research suggests that coeliac women are at an increased risk of miscarriage compared to women without the disorder, but, again, much of the data includes a large proportion of experiences from women who did not know they had coeliac disease. A major 2010 study, for example, found that 85% of coeliac women who miscarried had done so before they were diagnosed. Other studies have demonstrated that treating coeliac disease with a strict gluten free diet substantially reduces the risk of a miscarriage.   

As well as sticking to your gluten free diet, it is important for coeliac women to draw up a special pregnancy diet with professional input from a dietitian and/or their doctor, who should also be running plenty of tests to ensure that nutrient levels are correct. Here is a general guide to how to keep up levels of key vitamins and minerals for pregnancy.    

• Folic acid supplements are recommended for all women in the three months before conceiving and the first three months of pregnancy. The typical daily supplement recommended is 400 micrograms but Britain’s NHS recommends that coeliac women take 5mg a day. Folic acid helps prevent the development of defects in your unborn baby. It is also a good idea to get plenty of natural folate in your diet by eating broccoli, dark leafy greens, asparagus, citrus fruits, peanuts, avocado, and beans and lentils. 

• Zinc and Copper are important during pregnancy and can be provided by eating cashews, yoghurt, beans, pork and beef. 

• Iron is always something to keep an eye on for coeliac patients and more so during pregnancy. Eggs, lamb, beef, dark leafy greens, broccoli, peas and sweet potatoes are all rich in iron.  

• Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the child’s brain development. Sardines, trout, tuna, salmon and other oily fish are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Otherwise, you can use supplements. However, because of the potential for fish to contain contaminants, it is advised to limit intake of oily fish to twice a week. In the case of tuna, this means four medium-size cans per week, or two tuna steaks.    

• Magnesium, Vitamin D and Calcium are key vitamins and minerals to boost your bone density, which can become challenged during pregnancy. Milk, leafy greens, and calcium-fortified drinks all help here. 

• Vitamin B and C levels can also falter during pregnancy, so consider supplements and make sure you are eating as broad a range of fresh food as possible. You should consult with your doctor before starting to take any supplement.   

Pregnancy can increase fatigue, but it is important for your overall health to keep up exercise during your term, even if this just means regular walks. Discuss with your doctor what a reasonable level of exercise would be for you at this time. 

Every pregnancy is different and for coeliac women this also means the possibility of difficulties keeping up the right levels of all nutrients. As well as following general guidelines, it is important to have bloodwork done regularly to keep on top of possible imbalances.  

Pregnancy may worsen symptoms of an undiagnosed and untreated coeliac disease. Because pregnancy requires plenty of folic acid, zinc, B vitamins and other minerals, coeliac disease and the associated poor absorption of nutrients may make the condition worse. Pregnancy could also exacerbate some other symptoms associated with coeliac disease, such as constipation, bloating, headaches, fatigue and iron-deficiency anaemia.  

Can pregnancy cause coeliac disease? 

There are some signs that a woman who is genetically predisposed to coeliac disease may be more likely to develop the condition after pregnancy, but more research is needed before this link can be firmly connected. Some experts believe that coeliac disease is often triggered by a major health or life event, and that pregnancy can act as such a ‘trigger’ in some cases.