PKU
PKU pregnancy monitoring often includes this type of test after birth, which checks for the presence of elevated phenylalanine levels in the newborn.
What is newborn screening or PKU testing?
Women with PKU must avoid high-protein foods like meat, fish, and eggs, as they are rich in this amino acid.
What is phenylalanine?
This genetic test can determine whether an unborn child has inherited PKU or other genetic disorders from their parents.
What is amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS)?
Untreated PKU in pregnancy can lead to these neurological issues in the child, caused by the buildup of phenylalanine in the brain.
What are seizures or intellectual disability?
Women with uncontrolled PKU during pregnancy are at a higher risk of this pregnancy complication, which can affect fetal growth.
What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?