How can a pregnant woman with PKU gain the proper amount of weight that she needs?
A pregnant woman with PKU must eat for two, gaining weight like any other pregnant mother to be. To gain the proper amount of weight during pregnancy, she must eat foods high in calories while low in protein. Because of the diet limitations, weight gain is often promoted with sugars and fats. Special low protein products, such as cookies, pizzas, and baked goods can also provide extra calories. What are some difficulties a pregnant woman with maternal PKU may encounter? • The strict PKU diet and the daily intake of formula may interrupt daily activities and can be frustrating on an everyday basis. • It may be hard to follow the diet and take the formula in social situations and particularly in restaurants. • Nausea and/or vomiting (which are common in early pregnancy) may make it difficult to consume all the special formula. • PKU mothers should also resist cravings for high phenylalanine foods (peanut butter, ice cream, meat, etc.) Yes, it can be frustrating. But, pregnancy is also a
