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LRP8 and Pregnancy: What Your rs2297660 Genotype Means for Placental Health and Baby Growth

Pregnancy depends on a well functioning placenta to deliver nutrients and oxygen that support fetal growth. The LRP8 gene helps regulate lipid metabolism and cell signaling in the placenta. Variations at the rs2297660 location in LRP8 influence how that system performs. These differences do not determine outcomes, but they can shift risk in situations such as preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication marked by high blood pressure. Below we explain how each genotype relates to placental function and birth weight, and we offer practical, evidence-based steps to support a healthy pregnancy.

How LRP8 Affects Placental Function

LRP8 plays a role in moving lipids and signaling molecules in placental cells. These processes affect nutrient availability to the fetus and how well the placenta adapts to stress. In pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia, altered placental function can reduce fetal growth and increase the chance of low birth weight. The T allele at rs2297660 appears to offer a protective effect for fetal growth when preeclampsia occurs.

General Recommendations for All Pregnancies

  • Eat a nutrient-dense diet centered on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats such as olive oil and fatty fish.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin with at least 400 to 800 mcg of folate or folic acid, and ensure adequate iron and iodine based on your provider recommendations.
  • Include omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, through low-mercury fatty fish or purified supplements to support fetal brain and placental function.
  • Consume choline rich foods like eggs, lean meats, and beans, or take a prenatal supplement that includes choline.
  • Maintain appropriate weight gain for your body mass index and pregnancy stage, guided by your healthcare provider.
  • Attend all prenatal visits for blood pressure checks and growth monitoring. Early detection of preeclampsia and fetal growth restriction improves outcomes.
  • Practice gentle regular activity such as walking, prenatal yoga, or swimming unless your provider advises otherwise.
  • Manage stress with sleep hygiene, relaxation techniques, counseling, or support groups as needed.
  • Avoid tobacco, vaping, recreational drugs, and alcohol during pregnancy.
  • Discuss vaccinations, medication safety, and any supplement regimen with your healthcare provider before starting.

Diet, Supplements, and Tests to Consider

  • Folate: Critical early in pregnancy to support neural development and placental function. Prefer methylfolate if you have MTHFR concerns after discussing with a provider.
  • Iron: Monitor hemoglobin and ferritin. Supplementation is common when levels are low to prevent maternal anemia and support fetal growth.
  • Omega-3s: Aim for at least 200 to 300 mg DHA daily during pregnancy to support fetal brain and placental health.
  • Magnesium: Can help with blood pressure regulation and muscle function. Discuss dose and formulation with your provider.
  • Choline: Supports fetal brain development and placental function. Many prenatal vitamins include or omit choline so check labels.
  • Preeclampsia screening and fetal growth ultrasounds: Recommended based on standard prenatal care and risk factors.

Genetic Interpretations for rs2297660 in LRP8

Two effect alleles (TT)

If your genotype is TT you carry two copies of the T allele. This genotype is associated with a protective effect during pregnancy. In the setting of preeclampsia, TT is linked to a lower risk of delivering a low birth weight baby compared to other genotypes. That suggests your placental lipid handling and cell signaling may better maintain nutrient delivery and fetal growth under stress.

What to do

  • Continue a nutrient-rich diet with abundant folate, iron, choline, and omega-3 sources.
  • Take a comprehensive prenatal vitamin and confirm it includes or is supplemented with choline and DHA as needed.
  • Keep routine prenatal visits to monitor blood pressure and fetal growth even if your genotype confers protection.
  • Maintain gentle exercise habits, good sleep, and stress reduction practices to support placental health.
One effect allele (GT)

If your genotype is GT you carry one copy of the T allele. This is associated with a partial protective advantage. If preeclampsia occurs, GT appears to reduce the risk of low birth weight compared to having no T allele. The single T allele may help sustain better placental nutrient transfer and fetal growth in a challenging environment.

What to do

  • Prioritize nutrient-dense foods rich in folate, iron, choline, and omega-3 fatty acids to support the placenta.
  • Take a prenatal vitamin that includes folate, iron, and DHA, and add a choline supplement if not included.
  • Attend frequent prenatal appointments for blood pressure checks and appropriate fetal growth assessments.
  • Follow lifestyle measures such as appropriate weight gain, moderate exercise, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and managing stress.
No effect alleles (GG)

If your genotype is GG you do not carry the T allele. Without the protective T allele, the relative risk of delivering a lower birth weight baby may be higher if preeclampsia develops. This does not mean low birth weight will occur, but it highlights the importance of proactive prenatal management.

What to do

  • Be vigilant with prenatal care: early and regular blood pressure monitoring, growth ultrasounds, and timely interventions if problems arise.
  • Optimize nutrition with a prenatal vitamin, adequate iron, folate, choline, and DHA to support placental function.
  • Monitor and manage blood pressure actively with your provider. Follow their guidance for medication or other therapies if preeclampsia is diagnosed.
  • Adopt lifestyle practices that reduce risk: maintain healthy weight gain, stay active within recommended limits, manage stress, and avoid tobacco and alcohol.

When to Talk to Your Healthcare Provider

Share your genetic results with your prenatal provider so they can incorporate this information into your care plan. Discuss appropriate prenatal vitamins, targeted nutrient testing such as iron and ferritin, omega-3 supplementation, and the schedule for blood pressure and fetal growth monitoring. If preeclampsia is suspected or diagnosed, your provider may recommend increased surveillance or treatments tailored to your situation.

Important Disclaimer

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making medical or lifestyle changes based on genetic results.