ttc while going gluten-free?

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2005
ttc while going gluten-free?
1
Tue, 12-30-2008 - 9:33pm
I've been horribly sick with digestive/stomach issues for nearly a year, and all of my tests have come back normal. But obviously something is wrong, or I wouldn't be having these symptoms. After doing some research and frequenting some other message boards, I've decided to try going gluten-free. I have my reasons for suspecting Celiac Disease, or at least a sensitivity to gluten, and DH is going to try this lifestyle with me. If it works, good. If it doesn't, I'm not sure where to go from here.
The ttc-related question of course is should I go on hold for a while? Is anyone else gluten-free, and what are your experiences with ttc and pregnancy? DH has issues with his swimmers... could this diet negatively affect his sperm count/quality? Anything you can tell me would be helpful!
Thanks in advance!!



Jackie: 25
DH Alex: 27
Married since: 10/29/2004
TTC since: 12/2005
Read my blog: losethatsmile.blogspot.com




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iVillage Member
Registered: 10-15-2008
Wed, 12-31-2008 - 1:25pm

First, I'm sorry that you're feeling so horrible! But good for you for deciding to try something to see if things change.
Second, have you had a food intolerance test done? I had one and it showed intolerances (not allergies though people understand more if you tell them it is an allergy) to quite a few things that surprised me. If you haven't had one done, I would highly recommend it. Many doctors can order them or you can find places online to get them directly. They're not cheap, but they are worth it, IMO.

As far as TTC and dealing with intolerances or going gluten-free, I wouldn't stress about it. Keep in mind that probably a big part of the reason that you haven't gotten pregnant yet is because your body is pretty busy fighting your food (whether that's gluten or something else), and it doesn't have any energy left to grow a baby. There's no need to put off TTC while adjusting to a gluten-free diet, but don't expect immediate results.

I would also highly recommend you consult with a dietician or nutritionist as well as picking up a few glutem-free recipe books (I got one at Christmas which is called The Allergy Self-Help Cookbook by Marjorie Hurt Jones that I would *highly* recommend). You want to make sure you are getting proper nutrition even if you are getting rid of gluten. Keep in mind that the 3 most common food allergies are cow's milk (including cheese), wheat (not necessarily the gluten), and eggs. If you can cut those 3 things out of your diet you will probably see an improvement. Without knowing which things you are intolerant of, I would really recommend you cut wheat (& gluten if you feel it's necessary), milk and eggs out of your diet. Give that at least 3 weeks and see if you feel better. If you do, then don't put any of those foods back into you for 3-6 months.

I wish you the best of luck - I've been there, I still am adapting to my dietary changes. I found out just before Christmas that I couldn't have the 3 foods above and I was shocked when I started reading labels. There is milk in *so* many things, wheat in just about everything (including ice cream!), and eggs in a lot, too. It's not easy to cut those 3 things out of your diet.
If you need any more help, feel free to ask!

Good luck and hope you feel better soon,
Melissa