To know more about it, we contacted Dr Aishwarya, Founder and Director, Eraya Fertility.
Why Does Lactose Sensitivity Occur in Pregnancy?
Many pregnant women are confused by the sudden development of lactose sensitivity at some point during pregnancy if they have always consumed dairy products without any problem. As per Dr Aishwarya, this phenomenon is not a kind of allergy, but she attributes it to physiological changes due to an increase in progesterone, which helps relax the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract to preserve the pregnancy, resulting in a slowing of digestion.Lactose in the body is usually digested very quickly, but due to physiological changes, it starts fermenting due to the slowing down of the digestive process and results in bloating, gas, or cramping that makes the pregnant woman feel like she has developed new lactose sensitivity.
This situation can be quite baffling for most of them, as they have been consuming dairy products all their lives, but suddenly they start feeling discomfort when they drink milk or eat ice cream during their pregnancy.
Should You Go Dairy-Free Entirely?
According to Dr Aishwarya, it may seem like the right choice to go dairy-free entirely, but it is not, because the intake of calcium and vitamin D is important for proper development of bones."The better choice is replacement, not removal."
Dr Aishwarya, Founder and Director, Eraya Fertility
It is important to know the difference because when you react to your discomfort by going dairy-free, you will create another problem: a lack of calcium and vitamin D, while actually the only thing you need to do is choose another dairy.
What Are Some Good Alternatives?
Dr Aishwarya has suggested some good alternatives that will make sure that you get your requirements of both minerals, but without facing any problem with digestion, such as:- Parmesan cheese and cheddar cheese, which are hard and aged cheeses that contain less lactose in the first place.
- Greek yoghurt, as it already contains less lactose due to the process of fermentation.
- Lactose-free milk, as it works just as well as regular milk.
- Leafy vegetables, fortified plant milks and chia seeds, as they provide you with the necessary quantity of calcium.
When Should You Consult Your Doctor?
Consult your doctor if you suffer from:- Pain in your abdomen that won't go away.
- Diarrhoea lasting for many days.
- Symptoms of dehydration that include reduced urination and dizziness.
- Digestion problems accompanied by a fever.
- Unexpected weight loss along with your digestion issues.
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FAQs on Sudden Lactose Intolerance During Pregnancy: Causes & Tips
- Will lactose intolerance, which begins during pregnancy, recur when having another baby?
This could happen, as the same hormonal processes that cause lactose intolerance one time could cause it again; however, it does not happen to all women in each pregnancy. - Is it okay to take an over-the-counter lactase enzyme during pregnancy?
The use of over-the-counter lactase enzyme is relatively safe; however, it might be best to talk to your doctor before beginning use, especially if you have some other problems during pregnancy. - If I am intolerant to lactose during pregnancy, will my baby also be?
Being lactose-intolerant during pregnancy is a temporary problem caused by hormonal changes in your body and has nothing to do with your baby having similar problems with dairy products.