If you're a woman with phenylketonuria who's considering having a baby:

  • Follow a low-phenylalanine diet. Women with PKU can prevent birth defects by sticking to (or returning to) a low-phenylalanine diet before becoming pregnant. If you're a woman with PKU, talk to your doctor before you start trying to conceive.
  • Consider genetic counseling. If you have a history of PKU, a close relative with PKU or a child with PKU, you may also benefit from preconception genetic counseling. A doctor who specializes in medical genetics can help you better understand how PKU is passed through your family tree. He or she can also help you determine your risk of having a child with PKU and assist with family planning.
Nov. 26, 2014