Lactose intolerance is when your body does not produce enough lactase which is the enzyme needed for the body to digest lactose. Lactose is the main sugar in animal milk and  other dairy products. This condition can make you uncomfortable but it isn’t dangerous.

What are the symptoms lactose intolerance ?

Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually occur 2 hours after consuming food containing lactose. However, this may vary among people depending on their age ,  how sensitive they are to lactose intolerance and how they digest food. They include :

• gas
• nausea
• abdominal cramps
• bloating
• indigestion
• diarrhea

Lactose intolerance and pregnancy

During pregnancy , the digestive tract slows down significantly. This is due to the hormones that your body is producing.  The digestive system slow down is to enable you  extract as much nutrients as possible from the food. You may therefore experience symptoms such as bloating,cramping and gas that can  make you think you are lactose intolerance. If you were already lactose intolerant, you may experience a reduction in your symptoms during pregnancy.

Calcium found in dairy products are very essential for the development of your baby’s bones and teeth. Calcium  is therefore very essential during pregnancy. If you are lactose intolerant, here are some ways to get calcium in your diet.

• eat calcium rich foods such as  sardines, tofu, broccoli, salmon with bones and calcium fortified juice and foods
• take calcium supplements
• try lactose free  or lactose reduced products such as milk, yogurt and cheese
• most people with lactose intolerance can usually drink  small amounts of milk with no symptoms
• try yogurt and fermented products such as cheese. These are well tolerated than milk

You also have to know vitamin D is essential for the maximum absorption of calcium. Good sources of  vitamin D include eggs, fish and sunlight exposure.

If you are lactose intolerant and pregnant, you need to discuss with your doctor ways of getting calcium in your diet.