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ANRIL and Pregnancy: What Your rs1333048 Genotype Means for Vascular Health and Preeclampsia Risk

Pregnancy triggers major changes in blood vessels, blood pressure, and immune function to support the growing baby. The ANRIL gene produces a regulatory RNA that helps control vascular health and immune responses. Variants at the rs1333048 position in ANRIL are associated with differences in how the cardiovascular system adapts during pregnancy, which can influence the risk of preeclampsia — a condition marked by new-onset high blood pressure and potential damage to organs and the placenta.

How ANRIL Influences Pregnancy

ANRIL affects gene networks involved in vascular tone, inflammation, and blood vessel remodeling. During pregnancy, these processes determine how well the placenta is supplied with blood and how maternal blood pressure is regulated. Depending on which alleles you carry at rs1333048, your genetic profile may modestly shift your baseline risk for hypertensive complications in pregnancy, including preeclampsia, placental blood flow problems, growth restriction, and preterm birth.

Genetic Interpretations

Two effect alleles — CC genotype

If you have the CC genotype for rs1333048, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a lower risk of preeclampsia. The CC genotype is linked to improved vascular flexibility and more stable blood pressure regulation during pregnancy, which may help protect against complications such as reduced placental blood flow, fetal growth restriction, or preterm birth related to hypertensive disease.

Even with a protective genotype, maintaining healthy habits optimizes outcomes. Continue routine prenatal care and blood pressure monitoring, and follow the lifestyle and supplement guidance below to support vascular and placental health throughout pregnancy.

One effect allele — AC genotype

If you have the AC genotype for rs1333048, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with a likely lower risk of preeclampsia compared with individuals who do not carry the C allele. The presence of a single C allele is linked to better-regulated blood pressure, improved placental blood flow, and reduced likelihood of growth restriction or preterm birth related to hypertensive complications.

This genetic advantage can be supported through regular prenatal monitoring and the dietary, supplement, and lifestyle strategies outlined below to help maintain healthy vascular function throughout pregnancy.

No effect alleles — AA genotype

If you have the AA genotype for rs1333048, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This genotype does not convey the same genetic protection linked to the C allele, and your baseline risk for preeclampsia is typical for the general population. Genetics is only one piece of the puzzle; many modifiable factors strongly influence pregnancy outcomes.

You can still reduce risk and support a healthy pregnancy by following evidence-informed nutrition, supplementation, monitoring, and lifestyle practices described below. Work with your healthcare provider to tailor a plan to your personal and pregnancy health history.

Dietary and Nutrition Recommendations

  • Adopt a heart-healthy pregnancy diet centered on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, beans, nuts, and seeds. Prioritize a variety of colors to ensure micronutrient diversity.
  • Limit sodium intake by minimizing processed foods, ready-made meals, and added salt. Aim to meet your provider's guidance for sodium during pregnancy.
  • Include folate-rich foods such as dark leafy greens, legumes, fortified cereals, and citrus. Adequate folate supports placental development and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
  • Choose sources of lean protein and omega-3 fats: fatty fish low in mercury (for example, salmon and sardines), plant-based omega-3s (flax, chia, walnuts), and lean poultry.
  • Maintain regular, balanced meals and moderate portion sizes to support healthy weight gain and stable blood sugar.

Supplement Considerations

  • Take a prenatal vitamin that provides at least 400–800 micrograms of folic acid or methylfolate as recommended by your provider.
  • Ensure adequate vitamin D status through prenatal supplements and testing when indicated. Vitamin D supports immune and vascular health in pregnancy.
  • Consider supplemental magnesium if recommended by your healthcare provider; magnesium can support vascular tone and may help with blood pressure regulation.
  • Include omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA) through prenatal formulations or doctor-approved fish oil to support fetal brain development and vascular health.
  • Always review supplements with your prenatal care provider before starting, stopping, or changing doses.

Lifestyle and Monitoring

  • Attend regular prenatal visits and blood pressure checks. Early detection of elevated blood pressure allows timely management.
  • Engage in gentle, pregnancy-appropriate physical activity such as walking, swimming, or prenatal yoga unless restricted by your provider.
  • Prioritize sleep, stress reduction, and mental health. Practices such as deep breathing, mindfulness, and prenatal support groups can be helpful.
  • Avoid tobacco, vaping, and alcohol. These exposures increase the risk of hypertensive disorders, placental problems, and adverse fetal outcomes.
  • Report symptoms promptly: severe headaches, visual changes, sudden swelling, upper abdominal pain, or decreased fetal movement require immediate clinical attention.

Blood Tests and Clinical Follow-Up

  • Routine prenatal labs and blood pressure monitoring are standard. Your provider may recommend additional testing based on personal or family history.
  • If you have risk factors for hypertensive disease, your provider may recommend more frequent monitoring, urine protein assessments, or specialized ultrasound evaluation of fetal growth and placental blood flow.
  • Work with your care team to interpret results in the context of your full medical history, medications, and pregnancy course.

When to Talk with Your Healthcare Provider

Share your genetic result with your prenatal provider so it can be considered alongside your medical history, blood pressure trends, and pregnancy course. Ask about personalized monitoring plans, whether additional labs or imaging are appropriate, and the best choices for supplements and activity in your specific case.

PlexusDx provides genetic information to educate about predispositions and potential risk patterns. This information is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or prenatal care team to make medical decisions, interpret test results, and design a care plan tailored to your health needs.