Sea

Jessica,

  Although untreated Celiac can have an impact on fertility (and successful pregnancy), once you have been diagnosed and are on a gluten-free diet and have healed internally, as I understand it fertility and pregnancy rates return to normal or near-normal levels. The longer you are (Strictly) gluten-free, the better your chances are of conceiving and carrying a child to term. Don't worry too much- Celiac does NOT mean that you cannot have a child. Normally, conception can take at least a year, so I wouldn't worry if you've been trying and haven't gotten immediately pregnant. Hopefully talking to a doctor will help put your mind at ease, or narrow down any other issues that might be interfering with pregnancy. Has your cycle returned to normal on the gluten-free diet? I have never had problems with my cycle but then, I was diagnosed at age 3 and have been gluten-free my entire reproductive life. Once your body is on track, on a healthy cycle, and well healed, I would expect you would have very good chances of conceiving.

  You might connect with a local support group- many members have children and can reassure you on that point, and it is nice to have the dietary support anyway. By the way, I had some fears that I would have difficulty conceiving (based on nothing more than that I hadn't tried and so hadn't!) and I am currently 6 months pregnant and expecting a healthy baby girl.

Best wishes and good health!

-Brenda

34 months ago

theresa

Jessica, I also had a hard time conceiving, but was finally blessed with a boy and a girl.  Once pregnant I stayed that way for 10 months each time.  I had 4 miscarriages along the way.  But, way back then, I didn't know I had Celiac disease.

Here is a trick which seems to work if you are having a hard time conceiving.

When you start your period, count that day as day one; count to day 10 and have fun!  Works 99% of time.

Theresa

34 months ago

Sundell

I have a 3 year old and a 7 month old. i have been gf for 8 years. No problems due to celiac. Just take good prenatal vitmins that u know are gluten free. Rainbow light pre-natals are awsome. they are expensive but worth it.

34 months ago

Aimee

I am 30 and celiac and about to give birth to my second little bundle of joy (My son will be 4 next week).  There are a few concerns when getting pregnant, and our risk of Gestational diabetes is higher then the average woman, but with good prenatal care it can go well.  I never encoutered any problems with conceiving (I was diagnosed at age 15 and have been GF since then).  Just watch for a safe prenatal vitamin (GNC has a prenatal plan that is GF)   and begin taking it before you start trying to avoid any pitfalls that might remain from malabsorption syndromes (which do not always completely resolve, even after visible damage has resolved).  Best of luck to you!

33 months ago

Jessica

Thank you so much for your suggestions....I use Shaklee vitamins which are really good & all natural.  I would never take a GNC vitamin even if it is GF!  THere stuff is all syntheitic and has actually made people very ill.  I will start taking more vitamins from now, just in case;-) 

I am hoping to get health insurance soon, hopefully before we conceive!

33 months ago

Sea

Hehe I wouldn't take GNC either, or the other synthetic brands. I take a prenatal by Supernutrition that is a great daily.. it's found at Whole Foods type health food stores. Do make sure you're taking a good gluten-free folic acid- that is ESSENTIAL and should be started ideally a year before you start trying.

I hadn't heard that gestational diabetes risk is higher- not sure about that, but it might be related to diet. I wouldn't worry, though.

33 months ago