Are there any concerns about pregnancy and celiac disease?
Undiagnosed celiac disease may have negative effects on pregnancy. Undiagnosed celiac disease is associated with an increased risk of growth retardation, low birth weight, preterm birth, miscarriage, and cesarean section. However, once patients are diagnosed with celiac disease and are on a gluten-free diet, they do not experience any negative outcomes associated with pregnancy. This is most likely the result of compliance with a gluten-free diet. In general, women with celiac disease tend to be older at the age of their first childbirth than women without celiac disease.4 It is important that pregnant women who are gluten-free maintain a healthy diet in order to have a healthy pregnancy. Your diet should include approximately 300 calories per day (depending on your weight and trimester), but it is important that these calories come from healthy, vitamin rich foods. Eat foods rich in vitamins A, C, and D, calcium, iron, and folic acid, as these vitamins are extremely important for your
