Throughout pregnancy, the human body goes through a number of significant changes. Some of these include weight increase or decrease, changes in hormone levels, altered posture, and other alterations.
Yet, some women even continue to suffer changes in their food intolerances! These include lactose intolerance after they have given birth to their child(ren).
You should be aware that lactose intolerance may develop in some individuals after they have given birth! This post-natal transformation is not going to happen to every single woman.
In addition, certain symptoms that seem to be lactose intolerance may just be variations in progesterone or post-pregnancy surgery. In other cases, gut produces an enzyme, lactase, the deficiency of which may lead to food tolerances.
Continue reading as we break down the ins and outs of lactose intolerance brought on by pregnancy. We will discuss the possibility of developing lactose intolerance after giving birth. Let's get into it.
Is Post-Pregnancy Lactose Intolerance Real?
In the days, weeks, or months after giving birth, it is not uncommon for new mothers to have lactose intolerance. Some women have just a short period of these postpartum difficulties as their hormone levels gradually return to normal.
Yet, lactose intolerance may develop during pregnancy and be a lifelong problem for certain people. After giving birth, many women report experiencing the following symptoms, prompting them to seek out allergy testing, medical attention, and dietary changes:
- Use of dairy products causes violent vomiting and nausea.
- Stomach cramps like labor pains
- Irregular bowel movements
- Discomfort
Fortunately, lactose intolerance is seldom fatal and may be easily managed with dietary adjustments. There are lactose-free dairy products available, and lactase pills are sold without a prescription to aid with lactose digestion.
Causes of Postpartum Lactose Intolerance
Lack of the lactase enzyme, which is necessary for the body to be able to digest lactose, is the major reason why some people are unable to digest lactose.
There is a wide range of lactose intolerance, and people who suffer from it have variable quantities of the enzyme that their systems manufacture. Because of this, some individuals who are lactose intolerant are able to consume dairy products on occasion, while others must steer clear of it altogether.
When it comes to lactose intolerance after pregnancy, it's likely that the person already had a very mild type of lactose intolerance that was merely activated by the changes that occur during pregnancy. This is known as "post-pregnancy lactose intolerance."
For instance, you could have always been able to digest dairy products just well, but after giving birth, you might find that you can no longer stomach them.
Your immune system goes through typical changes when you are pregnant, and as a consequence, your body may respond somewhat differently to specific allergens in food. This is especially true if you have food allergies.
After giving birth, your digestive system may no longer be able to tolerate certain foods, such as the cheese or ice cream that you were so used to consuming before giving birth.
Lactose Intolerance After Pregnancy: Why Does It Happen?
Women who are lactose intolerant during pregnancy often have immune suppression. As a result of the expansion of the mother's follicle during pregnancy, the immune system is suppressed in the pregnant woman.
It does not really aim to combat an invasion! Rather, it wants to encourage the invader's feeding and development, and as a result, it inhibits the immune system.
It is possible for the digestive tract to get compressed or displaced during pregnancy due to the normal growth of the baby. A deficiency in the immune system may alter a person's capacity to react to allergens in any context, including those found in food and the environment.
What is the treatment for lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance may be treated successfully. Simply put, you need to make some adjustments to the way you live your life. A significant number of people who are lactose intolerant are able to consume lactose-containing foods in moderation without experiencing any adverse health effects.
When consuming milk during meals, some persons do not suffer the symptoms that are associated with lactose intolerance. There is a chance that your stomach can tolerate milk after all, and if it does, you have the option of switching from regular milk to lactose-free milk.
OTC Lactases that may be purchased without a prescription comes in tablet and capsule form and should be taken before ingesting dairy products.
Lactose Free Alternatives For Milk Products
Judee's Whole Milk Powder
Judee's has been innovating in the dry milk industry for over a decade and now offer their 100 percent dehydrated whole milk for a variety of uses. Perfect for making confections, baked goods, and nutrient supplements - or reconstituted as liquid milk - their product is a go-to in the kitchen.
All ingredients are sourced from the US amd made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. Packed in a resealable pouch to ensure freshness, this 100 percent dehydrated whole milk is all natural with no additives and needs only 1 cup warm water mixed with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of powder to make one cup of whole milk, perfect for recipe substitutions.
Take your culinary creations to the next level with this product from Judee's today!
Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Lactose Free
If you're looking for an ideal lactose free milk for pregnant women that comes with a satisfaction guarantee, look no further than this 64-ounce carton of 2% reduced fat milk by Amazon. Not only is it 37% lower in fat per serving compared to regular lactose free milk, but it is also Kosher-certified and Grade A.
This delicious and creamy product is enriched with vitamins A & D, and all of its cows have not been treated with rbST to ensure the best quality. Hence, no more fear while you consume milk, eat dairy and stay healthy with no upset stomach!
365 By Whole Foods Market
Brand 365 by Whole Foods Market offers an organic, reduced fat milk that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Lactose alternative food sources are inevitable to provide essential nutrients - thanks to 365 by Whole Foods Market that offers all these nutrients in one pack.
Not only are you getting the natural, creamy taste of organic milk but its enriched with vitamins A and D3 and further improved with added lactase enzyme for those who have difficulty digesting lactose in regular milk products.
This 64-fl oz carton isn't just light on calories but also on price so you can enjoy delicious, nutritious reduced fat milk without breaking the bank.
Do I Need Lactose Intolerance Test?
Virtually every woman has been instructed on the significance of calcium, protein, vitamin D, and iodine in supporting maternity. These nutrients are all considered to be vitally important.
Even though you have to take vitamin supplements, the simplest way to get vitamins is via food. It is not necessary to identify lactose intolerance at the beginning of the pregnancy unless there is a history of lactose intolerance in the family. Milk is an excellent provider of these nutrients.
Lactose intolerance test
After consuming lactose drinks that have high concentrations of lactate, you will be required to do an oral test for blood glucose in order to assess the quantity of glucose in your blood. Your body will not be able to digest lactose if your blood glucose level is low after you have consumed anything.
In hydrogen breath test, the doctors determine how much lactase you exhale. Both of these tests help determine the lactose intolerance extent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Women develop lactose intolerance after pregnancy for a number of different reasons. However, this does not happen to all women because the body reacts differently in some women in an otherwise healthy pregnancy.
Can lactose intolerance develop in women after giving birth?
Yes, it is possible to develop lactose intolerance after birth. This can happen when the enzymes needed to break down the lactose molecule in milk and other dairy products are either not produced or produced in low quantities.
Lactose intolerance usually manifests itself as diarrhea, abdominal cramping/pain, bloating, flatulence, and/ or nausea after consuming dairy products containing lactose. If you suspect that you may be lactose intolerant it's best to consult with a doctor for further testing and diagnosis.
Why am I suddenly lactose intolerant?
Lactose intolerance is caused by a decrease in the production of the enzyme lactase, which helps to break down milk sugar into simpler forms that can be absorbed into our bodies.
There are several possible causes for why your body might suddenly stop producing sufficient amounts of lactase, such as changes in diet or age-related processes.
Additionally, certain health conditions (such as Celiac disease) and medications you’re taking may also lead to lactose intolerance. It's advisable to speak with your doctor if you believe you are experiencing sudden onset lactose intolerance.
Can you develop lactose intolerance after the C section?
Yes, developing lactose intolerance after a C-section is possible. This occurs when the mother's body is unable to produce enough of the enzyme lactase to digest milk sugar (lactose).
Drinking milk may lead to symptoms including gas, bloating, and abdominal pain after consuming dairy products. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be wise to get tested for lactose intolerance by your doctor.
Conclusion
If you've ever questioned whether or not it's possible to develop lactose intolerance after giving birth, this guide must have answered all of your questions and put your mind at ease. It is possible to acquire lactose intolerance later in life, such as after giving a child.
Nevertheless, it is also probable that hormonal changes or operation-related gastrointestinal problems are responsible for symptoms that are similar to those of lactose intolerance. In such cases, you are able to digest aged cheeses, milk, and other dairy products.
Always discuss the symptoms that you are encountering with your primary care physician before making any decisions on possible diagnoses or courses of therapy.
