What Conditions During Pregnancy Are Hereditary?

When you find yourself expecting a child, your mind is likely to be filled with a multitude of thoughts and concerns, especially regarding the progression of your pregnancy and the impending delivery. While every pregnancy is unique and may bring its own set of surprises, there are ways to gain some insight into what you might expect by delving into your family history. Of course, not everything can be predicted, such as the amount of weight you’ll gain during pregnancy.

Exploring specific health conditions within your family and learning about the birth experiences of your female relatives can offer valuable insights into what you may encounter, as explained by Dr. Laura E. Riley, an obstetrician and gynecologist-in-chief at Weill Cornell Medicine Center in New York.

Premature Birth

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the premature birth rate stands at approximately 10%, meaning that one in every 10 babies is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. According to a study published in January 2021 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM, having a family history of premature births, particularly on the maternal side, increases the likelihood of a descendant also experiencing a premature birth.

Moreover, the same study found that your odds of a premature birth increase if you were born prematurely or if you have a sister who had a premature birth. This highlights the genetic component in the occurrence of premature births within families.

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression, which typically manifests one to three weeks after delivery, affects approximately one in eight women, according to the CDC. This condition often arises due to hormonal fluctuations and the stress associated with adapting to motherhood. It is characterized by moderate to severe feelings of sadness and is a matter of concern for new mothers.

Family history can play a role in the likelihood of experiencing postpartum depression. If you have a family history of depression, including postpartum depression, it may increase your susceptibility. Dr. Riley emphasizes that this link doesn’t guarantee you will develop postpartum depression, but it underscores the importance of being vigilant for its signs, such as mood swings and extreme fatigue, and seeking external support when needed.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication caused by changes in blood flow to the placenta, which is the organ that develops during pregnancy to supply oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. It is typically characterized by high blood pressure and swelling in the hands and feet.

Dr. Riley explains that there’s an association between mothers, sisters, and daughters who have had preeclampsia. Research published in Integrated Blood Pressure Control notes that your risk of preeclampsia nearly triples if a close female relative has experienced the condition. Pregnant individuals who develop preeclampsia need close monitoring by their OB-GYNs, and in some cases, early induction of labor may be recommended.

Gestational Diabetes

Approximately 9% of pregnant individuals develop high blood sugar levels, a condition known as gestational diabetes. While gestational diabetes can affect anyone during pregnancy, certain risk factors increase the likelihood, including being older, having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30, and having one or more close family members with type 2 diabetes.

If a close family member has type 2 diabetes, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider so they can closely monitor your blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy. Poorly controlled gestational diabetes can lead to the birth of a baby with higher than average weight, a condition known as macrosomia. Macrosomia can present risks such as breathing problems at birth and an increased likelihood of obesity and type 2 diabetes later in life.

Miscarriages

Miscarriages, the loss of pregnancy before the 20th week, are one of the most common reasons for pregnancy loss, according to the National Library of Medicine. Several factors can increase the risk of miscarriage, including the age of the pregnant individual, previous miscarriages, and lifestyle or health factors.

Although many factors can contribute to miscarriages, evidence suggests that genetics may play a role. A study published in November 2020 in Nature Communications indicated that miscarriages might have a 29% heritability rate, meaning that genetics could influence this condition to a significant extent.

While these conditions during pregnancy can have a familial pattern, it’s important to note that not all pregnancy-related complications or situations follow a hereditary pattern.

Cesarean Sections (C-Sections)

A cesarean section, or C-section, involves surgically delivering the fetus through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. Whether a C-section is necessary depends on numerous factors related to the safety of both the pregnant person and the baby. Dr. Riley emphasizes that the need for a C-section is determined by various factors, and it’s not solely based on the experiences of mothers.

Many pregnant individuals inquire about the possibility of needing a C-section based on their mothers’ experiences. However, Dr. Riley points out that factors such as pelvis size and other medical considerations play a more significant role in determining the mode of delivery.

Weight Gain During Pregnancy

The amount of weight gained during pregnancy can vary significantly from one individual to another. Contrary to common belief, it’s not necessarily hereditary. Dr. Riley explains that behavioral factors, including eating habits and exercise routines, as well as your pre-pregnancy weight, are more influential in determining weight gain during pregnancy than family history.

So, just because your mother gained a specific amount of weight during her pregnancies does not mean you will experience the same. Weight gain during pregnancy is a highly individualized aspect of pregnancy.

Duration of Labor

The duration of labor, or how long it takes for your body to prepare for delivery, is influenced by various factors, including maternal age and fetal weight. However, the length of labor experienced by your mother or any immediate female family member does not significantly impact the duration of your own labor.

Labor involves the contraction of the uterus to help the cervix dilate, allowing the fetus to move through the birth canal. While familial patterns can influence some aspects of pregnancy and childbirth, the duration of labor remains a unique and individual experience.

In summary, when it comes to pregnancy, conditions such as premature birth, postpartum depression, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and miscarriages can indeed run in families due to genetic factors. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all complications during pregnancy have a hereditary component.

If you have any questions or concerns related to your pregnancy, it’s always advisable to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and answers. While family history can provide insights, each pregnancy is a distinct journey, and personalized medical advice is crucial for ensuring the health and well-being of both you and your baby.