Pregnancy And Baby Care Conditions During Pregnancy Lactose Intolerance During Pregnancy

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...As a result of this, milk does not get digested and this in turn results in lactose intolerance during pregnancy symptoms. These symptoms consist of abdominal discomfort, flatulence, gas buildup and acid reflux. Bloating and stomach cramps are other effects of lactose intolerance. This condition also adds to the pregnancy symptom of nausea. In severe cases, lactose intolerance may also lead to diarrhea which could affect the pregnancy adversely. In order to check for lactose intolerance, the pregnant woman is asked to consume large quantities of milk in a short span of time. In the case of lactose intolerance, the above symptoms show up within two hours of consumption.

Lactose intolerance is not considered to be a major complication and the best way to cope with intolerance is to keep away from dairy products, as far as possible. However, pregnancy induced lactose intolerance could pose a problem as both the mother and the developing baby require the calcium which milk provides in adequate quantities. Since drinking milk could result in more harm than good, in such cases, calcium alternatives are recommended. In most cases, yogurt, buttermilk, cheese and cottage cheese do not produce the above symptoms as their lactose content is less than that present in whole milk. Dark green vegetables like spinach and canned salmon (with bones) are rich in calcium content. Calcium fortified juices are also available easily. Tofu and soy milk are other alternatives for calcium intake. Calcium enriched cereals are another good option.

A calcium deficiency should not be taken lightly as it could result in malformed bones and tooth structure in the baby or could lead to bone related complications in the expectant mother as calcium is drawn from the mother to meet the developmental needs of the unborn baby. It is also needed for the proper functioning of the nervous and circulatory system. Hence, most doctors also prescribe calcium supplements as the need for calcium increases manifold during pregnancy. Some may also recommend the use of lactase pills before the consumption of milk or milk products. However, it is always better to consult your gynecologist with regard to appropriate diet and required medication so as to avoid further complications.