coeliac disease and pregnancy

Recent studies have shown breast feeding can gve some protection against coeliac disease...

If I have coeliac disease and I get pregnant, are there any recommended changes to my diet?

Pregnancy is an important time during which women with coeliac disease should be regularly followed up.

The advice for someone with coeliac disease is the same for any woman who is pregnant. All women should take a folic acid supplement (400ug a day) prior to conception and until the twelfth week of pregnancy to protect against neural tube defects.

If I breastfeed, is there any risk of the baby developing coeliac disease?

According to recent studies, breastfeeding can give some protection against the development of coeliac disease. However, further research is required to confirm whether breastfeeding merely delays the onset of symptoms or actually provides a permanent level of protection against coeliac disease.



What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition brought on by an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye*.

Is coeliac disease genetic? There is a genetic element to coeliac disease which makes certain individuals more susceptible to the condition than others.

What is dermatitis herpetiformis? Dermatitis Herpetiformis (DH) is a skin condition caused by an intolerance to gluten and is considered as the skin ‘symptom’ of coeliac disease.

What are the symptoms of coeliac disease? Coeliac disease has a wide range of symptoms but if you are at all affected by tiredness, anaemia, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort, weight loss, vomiting and mouth ulcers then this may be an indication that you have coeliac disease.

How do I get diagnosed with coeliac disease? If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of coeliac disease, it is important that you make an appointment to see your doctor to confirm diagnosis.

What is the treatment for coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a life long condition, treated by excluding gluten from your diet. With this treatment, you should feel better in a short space of time and remain so for the rest of your life.

If I have coeliac disease do I need to avoid wheat? If you have coeliac disease you are intolerant to gluten, so you should follow a gluten free diet to help your small intestine recover and absorb the nutrients you need from food.

Codex wheat starch A number of gluten free foods contain Codex wheat starch, which has had the gluten washed out to a trace level so is considered safe for people with coeliac disease.

Support for those living with coeliac disease For those people who have been diagnosed and don’t have a friend or family member suffering coeliac disease it can be quite scary.

Coeliac disease and osteoporosis Osteoporosis is a thinning of bones which makes them more fragile and prone to breaking following a small fall or bump.

Coeliac disease and diabetes There is a proven link between type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, with people with type 1 diabetes being more likely to develop a sensitivity to gluten.