Epigenetics: Using Donor Eggs
Epigenetics has been a fascinating and growing field of study over recent years, especially because of the implications it has for patients using donor eggs or donor embryos. In this section, we will give a quick explanation of what exactly epigenetics is and the incredible connections it establishes between a donor egg recipient mother and her unborn child.
Vocabulary
Epigenetics literally means “above” or “on top of” genetics. It refers to external modifications to DNA that turn genes “on” or “off.” These modifications do not change the DNA sequence, but instead, they affect how cells “read” genes.
What is Epigenetics?
As explained by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, “epigenetics is defined as heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve a change in DNA sequence.” Although the gene sequence itself cannot be altered, other environmental factors in the birth mother’s body modifies the gene expression, or what the gene
does. Essentially, scientific studies of epigenetics are revealing that the activity levels of some genes may be “dimmed” or turned up in response to other external cues from the environment—even in the womb! This means that as a donor egg recipient, your body still influences the gene development of your baby.
Epigenetics and Donor Eggs or Donor Embryos
One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of the IVF journey for many women is that their baby will not share genetic information with them. However, recent advancements in the field of epigenetics have suggested that the birth mother, including mothers who are recipients of donor oocytes, plays a significant role in the way the baby’s genes develop.
Although certain characteristics of the baby may be genetically inherent of the egg donor, male partner, or sperm donor, the baby is still growing from the birth mother’s body. After the implantation of the embryo and throughout the entire pregnancy, every cell in the baby’s body is influenced by the birth mother’s body. All the nutrients that the mother is intaking (protein, vitamins, minerals, calcium, sugars) are being used to build the little human inside of them. The baby lives in the birth mother’s embryonic fluid for nine months, shares their blood flow, their rhythm, and the baby’s gene expression is influenced by the prenatal environment of the mother’s womb.
Donor Eggs: Will the Baby Look Like Me?
If you are wondering, “Will my baby look like me when using donor eggs?” the answer is the same for women who conceive naturally, and that is that nobody knows. Every egg and every sperm carries genetic material from the entire gene pool, including parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and so on. Even after the baby is born, the manifestation of genetics is a process that lasts throughout an entire lifetime.
Although a donor egg recipient mother does not contribute maternal genes to the baby, she still has a profound influence on how the baby’s genes will perform throughout the individual’s entire life.
Epigenetics: Your Lifestyle Impacts Your Baby’s Gene Development
Intuitively, we can easily wrap our heads around the idea that many aspects of a child are influenced by the way they are raised. We realize that the child develops traits and behaviors from the parents who are raising him or her. However, when we translate this concept to a fetus inside the womb, it becomes a bit more nuanced. Does the
environment make that much of a difference? Aren’t the babies simply a genetic result of the biological parents?
Well, there are scientific revelations that explain the epigenetic effect in molecules known as microRNAs that are secreted in the mother’s womb. These microRNAs act as a communication system between the mother and the growing fetus and are responsible for fine tuning the activity levels of genes during development and throughout life. So, epigenetics uses actual biological and chemical signals to regulate how much functional activity a gene will be putting out.
As a recipient of donor oocytes, you are responsible for more than just the gestation and birth of the baby. You are responsible for creating a healthy environment for the embryo to develop in, an environment that will literally contribute to the way in which the baby’s genes form, which characteristics are turned on or turned off, and the future health of your child—even as an adult.
Epigenetics: Quality of Life Inside the Womb Has Life-Lasting Health Effects on the Baby
Not only does epigenetics begin in the womb, but scientists also believe that the most fundamental impact on gene function occurs in utero. A birth mother’s womb serves as the first, and most impactful, environment for the baby. This means that the mother’s lifestyle choices from even before conception, and especially throughout gestation, have a tremendous impact on the overall health of the individual for the rest of their lives.
Several studies, including the “fetal origin hypothesis” by David J. Barker, suggest that the environmental factors that an individual is exposed to in utero have a direct impact on whether that individual develops major medical conditions in their adult life. Essentially, the quality of life inside the womb plays a significant role in the future health of an individual.
Amazingly, the birth mother’s health before and during conception also contributes to the overall health of the baby. So, it’s best to get into a healthy lifestyle routine before conception and maintain healthy habits throughout pregnancy and beyond. Two main contributing factors to creating the healthiest prenatal environment possible for your baby are stress and nutrition. Talk to your physician to receive specific health recommendations.
Using Donor Eggs or Donor Embryos: You Contribute More Than You Think
Moral of the story: As a mother using donor eggs or donor embryos, you are completely involved in the development of your baby. Ultimately, it’s the combination of genetics and epigenetics that form your baby into the unique human being that they become. If you are considering using donor eggs or donor embryos, we encourage you
to register today to browse donor profiles and contact our friendly and knowledgeable team if you have any additional questions!
