Prenatal Wellness: How Genetic Insights Can Be Helpful Before and During Pregnancy

 

There are many things to consider when you are planning for a baby. Two very important first steps are understanding your genetic carrier status and making lifestyle choices that support your nutritional needs. Both will support you in your journey through pregnancy.

Genetic carrier screening gives you important information about your chance of passing certain genetic conditions to your baby, including the three most common genetic conditions in Australia - cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, and fragile X. 

Whilst pre-pregnancy nutrition, including a prenatal multivitamin such as Elevit, can help support your increased nutritional needs. During pregnancy, there are numerous areas that can need support, which is why the new Prenatal Wellness Test was developed. This test uses your own genetics to provide personalised insights into whether additional focus is required in four key areas before and during pregnancy:  iron, Vitamin D, blood glucose, and predisposition to pregnancy weight gain.

Why can genetics matter during pregnancy?

Every pregnancy is different. Diet, lifestyle, environment, and health history all contribute to your wellness, and genetics can play a role too.

Genetic variations can be associated with differences in how our bodies process certain nutrients and respond to physiological changes. Understanding these predispositions can provide additional information about your individual wellness and areas you may want to discuss with your healthcare professional.

1. Iron absorption and transportation

Iron is an important nutrient during pregnancy, with your body requiring additional iron to support increased red blood cell production and the needs of your growing baby.

Prenatal Wellness looks at the TF and TMPRSS6 genes, which are involved in iron transportation and absorption. Variations in these genes may influence how your body manages iron.¹

These insights can provide additional context alongside monitoring your iron levels and maintaining appropriate nutrition.

2. Vitamin D production, conversion and use

Vitamin D supports several functions in the body, including bone health and immune, muscle, nervous and reproductive system function. During pregnancy, your Vitamin D levels can also influence your baby’s Vitamin D levels.

Prenatal Wellness looks at the CYP2R1, DHCR7 and GC genes, which are involved in how Vitamin D is produced, converted and transported within the body.^2–3

Understanding these genetic variations can add another layer of information when considering your Vitamin D wellness and nutritional needs.

3. Predisposition to pregnancy weight gain

Weight gain is a normal part of pregnancy, and varies from person to person. Factors such as appetite, food choices, physical activity, morning sickness, fluid retention and genetics can all play a role.

Prenatal Wellness looks at the FTO gene, which has been associated with differences in weight regulation and pregnancy weight gain. Your result can provide insight into your genetic predisposition to weight gain during pregnancy.^4–5

These insights are best considered in the context of your overall health, nutrition and activity.

4. Blood glucose levels

Pregnancy naturally changes the way your body responds to insulin. Hormones produced by the placenta can reduce insulin action, meaning your body needs to produce more insulin to help maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

Prenatal Wellness looks at the MTNR1B gene, which is involved in insulin secretion and glucose detection. Certain genetic variations have been associated with a greater predisposition to insulin resistance during pregnancy. ^6-7

Other factors, including family history and pre-pregnancy health, can also influence blood glucose levels. Prenatal Wellness does not replace routine pregnancy screening or glucose testing recommended by your healthcare team.

How does Prenatal Wellness work?

Prenatal Wellness uses a simple at-home cheek swab to analyse genetic variants related to the four wellness areas. Your personalised report is then available through your secure online portal, where your results are grouped into Priority Focus Area, Focus Area or Gene Strength, with information to help you understand what they mean.

Your results provide personalised wellness insights rather than predicting what will happen during pregnancy and should be considered alongside your overall health, lifestyle and healthcare advice.

Bringing it all together

There is no single test, supplement or lifestyle choice that covers every aspect of preparing for pregnancy. Carrier screening, good pre-pregnancy nutrition and personalised wellness insights each provide different pieces of the puzzle to start your pregnancy planning empowered and informed.

Together with healthy lifestyle choices, routine pregnancy care and advice from your healthcare professional, these steps can help you feel more prepared for your pregnancy journey.

Order Prenatal Wellness

Prenatal Wellness provides wellness insights only and is not a diagnostic test or a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not make changes to your diet, exercise, supplements or lifestyle based solely on your results. Discuss your results and individual healthcare needs with a qualified healthcare professional.

References

1. Piao W, Bao Y, Zhang T, et al. Association between the polymorphisms of TMPRSS6 and the levels of serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor in pregnant women in the Lüliang Area of Shanxi Province. Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 2018;47(6):883–889.
2. Baca KM, Govil M, Zmuda JM, et al. Vitamin D metabolic loci and vitamin D status in Black and White pregnant women. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2018;220:61–68.
3. Shao B, Jiang S, Muyiduli X, et al. Vitamin D pathway gene polymorphisms influenced vitamin D level among pregnant women. Clin Nutr. 2018;37(6 Pt A):2230–2237. 
4. Groth SW, Morrison-Beedy D. GNB3 and FTO polymorphisms and pregnancy weight gain in Black women. Biol Res Nurs. 2015;17(4):405–412. doi:10.1177/1099800414561118.
5. Kroll C, de França PHC, Mastroeni MF. Association between FTO gene polymorphism and excess body weight in women from before to after pregnancy: A cohort study. Am J Hum Biol. 2018;30(5):e23164. doi:10.1002/ajhb.23164.
6. Ding M, Chavarro J, Olsen S, et al. Genetic variants of gestational diabetes mellitus: a study of 112 SNPs among 8,722 women in two independent populations. Diabetologia. 2018;61(8):1758–1768. doi:10.1007/s00125-018-4637-8.
7. Zhang C, Bao W, Rong Y, et al. Genetic variants and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2013;19(4):376–390. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmt013.