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CYP11B2 and Pregnancy: How This Gene Can Influence Blood Pressure and Pregnancy Health

Pregnancy places unique demands on the body. Balanced hormones and tightly regulated electrolytes are essential to support both mother and developing baby. The CYP11B2 gene encodes aldosterone synthase, an enzyme that helps produce aldosterone. Aldosterone controls sodium and potassium balance and affects blood pressure. Variations in CYP11B2 can change how aldosterone is made and may influence the risk of high blood pressure and pregnancy-related complications such as preeclampsia. Below we explain what the common rs1799998 genotypes mean and provide practical dietary, supplement, lifestyle, and monitoring recommendations to support healthy blood pressure during pregnancy.

How to read your result

  • rs1799998 refers to a specific spot in the CYP11B2 gene where the letter can be A or G.
  • AA means two copies of the non-effect allele.
  • AG means one copy of the effect allele and one non-effect allele.
  • GG means two copies of the effect allele.

Key considerations for all pregnant people

  • Regular prenatal care and blood pressure monitoring are essential regardless of genotype.
  • Maintain a balanced diet focused on whole foods, with attention to sodium, potassium, magnesium, antioxidants, and fiber.
  • Gentle regular exercise, good sleep, stress management, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol support healthy blood pressure.
  • Discuss prenatal vitamins and any additional supplements with your healthcare provider before starting them.
  • PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your genetic results and before changing your diet, supplements, or medical care.

Practical diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations

Use the following guidance to support healthy blood pressure and electrolyte balance during pregnancy. These are educational suggestions to discuss with your healthcare provider.

Diet

  • Limit sodium intake. Aim to reduce processed and restaurant foods which are common sources of excess sodium.
  • Increase potassium-rich foods. Good choices include bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, and yogurt.
  • Boost magnesium intake through nuts, seeds, whole grains, leafy greens, and legumes.
  • Eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to provide antioxidants that support vascular health.
  • Include fiber-rich foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables to support metabolic health.
  • Choose lean proteins and heart-healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish high in omega-3s, unless advised differently by your provider.

Supplements to consider with provider approval

  • Standard prenatal vitamin with folate and appropriate iron for pregnancy.
  • Omega-3 (DHA) supplement to support fetal brain development and may have cardiovascular benefits.
  • Magnesium supplementation if dietary intake is low or if recommended by your provider to support blood pressure and sleep.
  • Potassium supplements are generally not recommended without medical supervision especially during pregnancy. Discuss with your provider before using.
  • Do not start, stop, or change prescription medications based on genetic results without consulting your healthcare provider.

Lifestyle

  • Monitor blood pressure at home if advised by your provider, and bring readings to appointments.
  • Engage in regular, gentle physical activity such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming as approved by your provider.
  • Practice stress management techniques including deep breathing, mindfulness, and gentle stretching.
  • Prioritize 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night and maintain a consistent sleep schedule when possible.
  • Avoid tobacco, vaping, and alcohol during pregnancy.

Genetic interpretation

2 effect alleles (GG) — higher relative risk

If you have the GG genotype at rs1799998, you carry two copies of the effect allele. This variant is associated with altered aldosterone production. People with GG show an increased relative risk of developing hypertension in general and a higher relative risk of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and potential organ involvement that can affect maternal and fetal outcomes. GG may also be linked to higher risk of related complications such as preterm birth and fetal growth restriction.

Proactive steps to discuss with your healthcare provider:

  • More frequent blood pressure monitoring throughout pregnancy. Consider home monitoring if advised.
  • Limit dietary sodium and emphasize potassium and magnesium rich foods to help offset blood pressure elevation.
  • Consider working with a registered dietitian to create a pregnancy nutrition plan focused on electrolyte balance and healthy weight gain.
  • Gentle, regular physical activity as recommended by your provider.
  • Stress reduction strategies and sleep optimization to support cardiovascular health.
  • Discuss prenatal supplements including magnesium and omega-3s as appropriate. Avoid potassium supplementation without medical supervision.
  • Immediately report symptoms such as severe headache, visual changes, severe swelling, sudden abdominal pain, or decreased fetal movement to your provider.
1 effect allele (AG) — moderate increased risk

If you have the AG genotype, you carry one effect allele. This genotype is linked to a modestly increased relative risk of high blood pressure, particularly during pregnancy. Carriers of the G allele have a higher likelihood of developing preeclampsia compared with non-carriers. While the increase in risk is not deterministic, it is meaningful enough to warrant preventive attention.

Steps to consider with your healthcare provider:

  • Regular prenatal blood pressure checks and consideration of home monitoring if recommended.
  • Reduce sodium intake and focus on foods high in potassium and magnesium.
  • Maintain regular gentle exercise, good sleep habits, and stress management routines.
  • Ensure you are taking an appropriate prenatal vitamin and discuss whether additional supplements such as magnesium or omega-3 are right for you.
  • Report concerning symptoms like severe headaches, visual disturbances, or sudden swelling to your care team promptly.
0 effect alleles (AA) — typical risk

If you have the AA genotype, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This result is associated with standard aldosterone regulation and typical blood pressure control during pregnancy based on this variant. Your genetic result does not indicate an increased predisposition to pregnancy-related hypertension or preeclampsia from this specific CYP11B2 variant.

General recommendations to maintain healthy pregnancy outcomes:

  • Continue routine prenatal care and blood pressure monitoring as recommended.
  • Follow a balanced diet that includes potassium and magnesium rich foods and limits excess sodium.
  • Engage in approved prenatal physical activity, manage stress, and maintain adequate sleep.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcohol and take prenatal vitamins as advised by your provider.

Final notes and important disclaimers

This information is educational and describes how the CYP11B2 rs1799998 variant may influence pregnancy-related blood pressure and risk factors. Genetics is one piece of a larger health picture that includes diet, lifestyle, medical history, and prenatal care. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret genetic results in the context of your personal health, to decide on any tests or treatments, and before making changes to medications, supplements, or management plans.