Eating in Special Situation During Pregnancy

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rather rare disorder of metabolism in which the body cannot utilize the amino acid phenylalanine. In the past, this disease had serious consequences, including interference with brain development. Since 1968, all newborns have been screened for the disease. Those affected are placed on phenylalanine free diets. Today, women with PKU are healthy and becoming pregnant, but they often have elevated levels of phenylalanine in their blood. These levels are enough to cause serious damage to the fetus, including microcephaly (small head), heart problems, and mental retardation.

Any woman who knows she has been diagnosed with phenylketonuria must receive careful assessment and dietary counseling, optimally beginning in the preconception period. She needs referral to a special center as her diet will need to be restricted greatly and she will need nutritional supplementation. Any woman who bears a child with microcephaly for whom a cause cannot be ascertained should have a test for PKU.

Diabetes

Women who enter pregnancy with diabetes or develop gestational diabetes need to follow special food plans. These are based on guidelines provided by the american diabetic association (ADA). The number of calories and how they are allotted by food group is determined by a dietitian or specialist in the care of pregnant women with diabetes. The specifics of the plan are worked out according to your weight, level of activity, and weeks of pregnancy. Diabetic diets follow a food group plan so they are not difficult to implement. In general, carbohydrate “loads” or large portions of carbohydrate at one time are to be avoided, as are simple sugars, or sweets.

Once you receive your individualized food plan, you will be taught how to test your blood sugar so adjustments can be made as necessary. Some pregnant women will also need insulin, even if they never took it be fore.