Medically reviewed to ensure accuracy.
Here’s everything moms with PKU need to know.
What is phenylketonuria (PKU)?
PKU is a genetic condition in which your body is missing a special enzyme.
This enzyme works to protect against the dangerous build-up in your body of the amino acid phenylalanine.
When a woman with PKU gets pregnant, her condition is referred to as maternal PKU.
What is a safe diet if you have phenylketonuria (PKU)?
The diet definitely isn’t easy to follow.
But for pregnant women with PKU, it’s absolutely necessary.
But the benefits to your developing baby will be well worth the effort.
A support group of other mothers with PKU may be helpful too.
For more information, try the website for theNational PKU Alliance.
What are the risks of unmanaged maternal PKU to a baby?
Having too much phenylalanine in your blood can create serious health consequences for your baby.
Will I need any special monitoring during pregnancy if I have PKU?
Experts recommend tight supervision for moms-to-be with PKU.
If I have maternal PKU, will my baby also have PKU?
PKU is a genetic condition.
A genetic counselor can help you understand your chances of passing PKU to your little one.
