CircleBumpCheckedFilledMedicalBookmarkBookmarkTickBookmarkAddCheckBoxCheckBoxFilled

Lactose Intolerance During Pregnancy

How can you get enough calcium when you can't have dairy? Here's how to handle being lactose itolerant during pregnancy.
save article
profile picture of Jennifer L.W. Fink
By Jennifer L.W. Fink, Registered Nurse
Updated April 20, 2017
Hero Image

What is lactose intolerance during pregnancy?

People who are lactose intolerant lack lactase, the enzyme that normally digests a sugar called lactose. Since lactose is found in dairy products, eating them makes you feel sick. If you’re lactose intolerant, you’re probably wondering how to get the calcium you need during pregnancy without getting sick.

What are the signs of lactose intolerance during pregnancy?

The most common signs of lactose intolerance are abdominal pain, bloating, cramping and gas after ingesting dairy products. Sounds a lot like general pregnancy symptoms, right?

Are there any tests for lactose intolerance during pregnancy?

Yes. Sometimes a doctor diagnoses lactose intolerance based on symptoms. If you consistently experience abdominal pain, bloating and gas after eating or drinking dairy—but you feel fine after cutting dairy out of your diet—you’re probably lactose intolerant. A simple breath test or blood test, performed in a doctor’s office, can confirm the diagnosis.

How common is lactose intolerance?

Pretty common. It’s more common in adults (who don’t have the same biological need to drink milk that young kids do), and it’s more common among people of African, Asian, South American or Native American descent.

How did I get lactose intolerance?

It might be genetic. Other times, lactose intolerance is caused by an injury to the small intestine, which normally produces lactase.

How will lactose intolerance affect baby?

You don’t have to drink milk to have a healthy baby, but you do need to make sure to get enough calcium. Know that baby will be fine no matter what—even if you skimp on calcium—but that’s because your body will draw calcium from your bones and teeth to make sure your baby has what she needs to grow healthy and strong. And that can have devastating long-term effects on your own health, causing osteoporosis.

Related Video

How can you get enough calcium during pregnancy?

If you can’t tolerate cow’s milk, try almond, soy or rice milk. Calcium is also in kale, broccoli and salmon. Some women with lactose intolerance can handle yogurt, so you might want to try it to see how it goes.

It can be hard to reach the recommended pregnancy intake of 1,200 mg of calcium per day without eating or drinking dairy, so many pregnant women who are lactose intolerant take calcium supplements. If you’re choosing between a calcium carbonate and a calcium citrate supplement, Michelle Collins, CNM, an assistant professor of nurse-midwifery at Vanderbilt University, recommends going with the citrate. “Calcium citrate is much more absorbable and doesn’t cause constipation, so it tends to work better for pregnant women.”

You can also try Lactaid, which is an over-the-counter form of lactase that allows you to digest lactose (and eat dairy!).

What can I do to prevent lactose intolerance?

You can’t prevent lactose intolerance, but you can manage the symptoms.

What do other pregnant moms do when they have lactose intolerance?

“I think I may have developed an intolerance to lactose over the last three months… I have been keeping track of my reaction to dairy and it is becoming increasingly unpleasant… I mainly have problems with just straight milk. Most cheese and yogurts don’t cause me nearly as much discomfort! I have been taking calcium supplements throughout the pregnancy…”

“Around the beginning of my second trimester I realized that milk was making me suffer. Anything containing real cream is even worse. [So I’m avoiding those.]”

Are there any other resources for lactose intolerance?

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

save article
ADVERTISEMENT

Next on Your Reading List

pregnant woman holding a bowl of dates
When to Start Eating Dates in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Iron Supplements For Pregnant Women-hero
The Best Iron Supplements for Pregnancy, as Chosen by Experts
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
place setting for one with gold accents
6 Holiday Food Rules to Follow When Pregnant
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman cutting soft cheese on cheese board
The Ultimate Guide to Soft Cheeses in Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
two women making mocktails in kitchen at home
11 Easy and Fun Mocktail Recipes for Pregnancy and Beyond
By Natalie Gontcharova
pregnant woman eating a snack while using tablet at kitchen table
19 Healthy Pregnancy Snacks to Satisfy All Your Cravings
By Natalie Gontcharova
pregnant woman preparing healthy food with toddler in kitchen
How to Eat a Healthy Pregnancy Diet
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
Healthy Alternatives to Water
Healthy Alternatives to Water
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman looking at tablet in her kitchen
So Long Seafood? Debunking Myths About Eating Fish During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Best Protein Powder For Pregnancy-hero
How to Choose the Best Protein Powder for Pregnancy
By Emma O'Regan-Reidy
ADVERTISEMENT
20 slides
20 Healthy (and Tasty!) Pregnancy Snacks
20 Healthy (and Tasty!) Pregnancy Snacks
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
Green vegetables like asparagus and broccoli can prevent pregnant woman's babies from developing asthma.
This Pregnancy Food Cuts Your Child's Asthma Risk in Half, Study Finds
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
pregnant woman eating a salad
10 Superfoods to Eat During Pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
ADVERTISEMENT
woman's hands eating healthy quinoa bowl
Easy, Healthy Pregnancy Lunch Ideas for Work and Beyond
Medically Reviewed by Kendra Segura, MD
cranberry holiday themed mocktail
The Top 10 Trending Nonalcoholic Drinks Americans Searched for in 2022
By Wyndi Kappes
pregnant woman holding an apple while standing in kitchen at home
7 Natural Pregnancy Energy Boosters
By Meredith Franco Meyers
close up of pregnant woman eating a salad
Baby Can Smell and Taste Mom's Food While in the Womb, Study Says
By Wyndi Kappes
ADVERTISEMENT
smiling pregnant woman eating apple on couch at home
Don’t Fall for These 5 Pregnancy Nutrition Myths
By Liz Sanders, MPH, RDN
pregnant woman grocery shopping
Study: Choline Can Boost Baby's Brain Health—If You're Getting Enough
By Anisa Arsenault
Whole wheat pasta with vegetables on a dinner plate.
These Two Minerals May Reduce Baby’s Risk of Hypertension, Study Says
By Nehal Aggarwal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article removed.
Article removed.
Name added. View Your List