hi everyone,

I am now very early in my pregnancy -- just 5 weeks! My celiac symptoms are fully under control. My microscopic colitis symptoms were fine until last Monday (thanks to acupuncture). Since then, my symptoms have become progressively worse. I spoke to my OBGYN last THursday who said that many women get D in early pregnancy and that I shouldn't worry. The embryo needs very little in the way of nutrition at this point, but that I should be careful not to get dehydrated. I have been drinking a ton and went in to see the doc to make sure all was well yesterday. She said my tests all looked good, that I looked really healthy, and that I shouldn't worry.

Now I am trying to figure out what to do if my symptoms persist. I have heard that Immodium and Azacol may be safe during pregnancy. Do any of you have any experience with this? Or any advice?

Thank you!
Camilla

Are you still consuming dairy and/or soy? Those could be the problem.

If you have already eliminated those two, it could be another intolerance. You may have to try an elimination diet to figure out what is causing your problems.

Ursa,

Thank you SO much for your response. It means so much to have someone help me figure this issue out!

I am not eating any soy or dairy. Do you know how I can safely try an elimination diet during pregnancy? I worry that I won't get enough nutrition for the embryo, though with D, I'm probably not absorbing all the good food I'm eating right now!

Camilla

Some foods other than gluten that give me D are rice, eggs and potatoes.

The way to do an elimination diet in such a way that you still get enough nutrition is, to go back to basics.

For a week just eat chicken, vegetables like carrots, rutabaga, green salad..... nothing exotic. With fruits for snacks. Maybe buckwheat cereal in the morning. Just avoid the most likely allergens, like tomatoes, peppers etc.

If you start feeling better, the culprit is included in the foods you've eliminated. If not, you'll have to keep eliminating different things until you find it.

Once the D goes away, reintroduce the foods you eliminated one at a time, several days apart (to catch delayed reactions). If you feel worse again, you found an offensive food and shouldn't eat it again. If you feel fine, keep eating it and move onto the next one.

And of course, make sure you take your vitamins (especially folic acid).

I also have microscopic coliis and celiac. I am 13 weeks pregnant and did experience D early in my pregnancy. My midwife said that immodium a.d. is fine to take while you are pregnant!!!

Thanks, Jlynn!

My diarrhea settled down after three weeks and I haven't seemed to have a problem since... the Immodium is a good back up, though... just in case!

Best wishes for your pregnancy!