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ANRIL (rs4977574) and Pregnancy: What Your Genotype May Mean for Vascular Health and Preeclampsia Risk

Pregnancy depends on healthy blood flow, proper placental development, and controlled cell growth. The ANRIL gene produces a long non-coding RNA that helps regulate vascular function and cell cycle genes. Variations at the rs4977574 position in ANRIL can influence how well these systems perform and are linked to differences in preeclampsia risk. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine that can affect both mother and baby.

How ANRIL affects pregnancy biology

  • ANRIL helps control genes involved in blood vessel health and cell division.
  • Proper regulation supports placental development and adequate blood flow to the fetus.
  • Alterations in ANRIL activity can shift risk for vascular complications such as preeclampsia, which may increase risk for preterm birth and fetal growth restriction.

General strategies to support vascular and pregnancy health

Regardless of genotype, these foundational steps help support placental and cardiovascular health during pregnancy:

  • Eat a heart-healthy, nutrient-dense diet: plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, lean proteins, and foods rich in folate (leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains).
  • Limit sodium intake and processed foods to help manage blood pressure.
  • Take a comprehensive prenatal vitamin that provides folate, vitamin D, iron as indicated, magnesium, and consider DHA/EPA omega-3s for fetal brain and vascular support.
  • Stay physically active with pregnancy-appropriate exercise such as walking, swimming, prenatal yoga, or moderate aerobic activity after your provider approves.
  • Manage stress with relaxation practices, mindfulness, gentle movement, and adequate sleep.
  • Avoid tobacco, vaping, and alcohol during pregnancy.
  • Attend all prenatal appointments for early detection and monitoring of blood pressure and other pregnancy indicators.

Genetic interpretation: rs4977574 (ANRIL)

GG genotype — Two copies of the effect allele (lower risk)

If your genotype is GG at rs4977574, you carry two copies of the protective G allele. This profile is associated with a lower risk of developing preeclampsia compared with other genotypes. The ANRIL long non-coding RNA modulates vascular and cell cycle genes, and the GG genotype appears to support healthier placental vascular function.

What this may mean for you

  • Reduced likelihood of preeclampsia and related complications such as preterm birth or fetal growth restriction compared with average risk.
  • Genetic protection is not a guarantee; monitoring and healthy behaviors remain important.

Recommendations to reinforce genetic protection

  • Continue a nutrient-rich prenatal diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and folate-rich foods.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin with folate and consider one with DHA/EPA and magnesium.
  • Maintain regular prenatal visits and blood pressure checks throughout pregnancy.
  • Engage in pregnancy-safe physical activity and manage stress.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol and follow your provider’s guidance about medications and supplements.
AG genotype — One copy of the effect allele (moderately lower risk)

If your genotype is AG at rs4977574, you carry one copy of the protective G allele. This is associated with a moderately lower risk of preeclampsia relative to the AA genotype. The presence of one protective allele may confer improved placental resilience and better vascular function compared with the non-effect genotype.

What this may mean for you

  • Lower risk of preeclampsia than those without the G allele, but not as strong a protective effect as GG.
  • Maintaining healthy pregnancy practices remains important because genetics is only one factor.

Recommendations to support pregnancy health

  • Follow a heart-healthy prenatal diet and limit added salt and processed foods.
  • Use a prenatal vitamin with folate, and consider adding omega-3s and magnesium if recommended by your provider.
  • Attend all prenatal care visits with routine blood pressure monitoring.
  • Practice gentle exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress reduction strategies.
  • Avoid tobacco, recreational drugs, and alcohol during pregnancy.
AA genotype — Two copies of the non-effect allele (baseline risk)

If your genotype is AA at rs4977574, you do not carry the protective G allele at this ANRIL variant. Your genetic profile indicates a baseline or typical population risk for preeclampsia. That means non-genetic factors and clinical monitoring play a large role in managing risk.

What this may mean for you

  • Your risk for preeclampsia is not increased specifically by this variant, but you do not have the protective benefit associated with the G allele.
  • Preventive care, early detection, and lifestyle optimizations are especially valuable.

Recommendations to lower your risk

  • Adopt a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, lean protein, and folate-containing foods. Limit processed foods and excess salt.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin with folate, vitamin D, and recommended nutrients. Discuss magnesium and omega-3 supplements with your provider.
  • Monitor blood pressure closely during prenatal visits and report symptoms such as severe headache, visual changes, sudden swelling, or abdominal pain.
  • Engage in pregnancy-appropriate physical activity and prioritize sleep and stress management.
  • Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and other substance use in pregnancy.

Dietary and supplement considerations

  • Folate: Aim for adequate folate daily through diet and prenatal supplementation to support placental and neural development.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: DHA and EPA support fetal brain development and may help vascular health; consider a prenatal supplement with DHA after discussing with your provider.
  • Magnesium: May help with blood pressure regulation and muscle function; discuss appropriate dosing with your provider.
  • Vitamin D and calcium: Ensure adequate levels as advised by your provider since they support maternal bone health and overall pregnancy outcomes.
  • Hydration and fiber: Support circulation and digestive health by staying hydrated and eating fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation, which can increase strain.

Monitoring and when to seek care

  • Attend routine prenatal visits and blood pressure checks as scheduled.
  • Report concerning symptoms such as persistent severe headache, visual disturbances, sudden swelling of hands or face, epigastric pain, or reduced fetal movements.
  • Your provider may recommend additional monitoring or testing if risk factors, symptoms, or clinical signs suggest preeclampsia.

PlexusDx provides genetic education and interpretation to help you understand potential predispositions. This information is educational and does not replace medical advice or clinical judgment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional to discuss your genetic results, any planned supplements, tests, or changes to your care during pregnancy.