Epigenetics in egg donation: Your role in your child’s development
Did you know that as an expectant mother, you have a unique opportunity to influence your child’s development—not only during pregnancy but also in the long term?
Even when using egg donation, where the child doesn’t carry your genetic material, your body still plays a crucial role in determining which genes are activated and how your child develops.
Research shows that the chemical environment within your body during pregnancy significantly impacts your child’s health and well-being.
Your diet, stress levels, and lifestyle create an epigenetic imprint that shapes your child’s overall development and future disease risk.
In this blog post, Dr Henriette Roed Nielsen, a clinical geneticist with a PhD, explores the science of epigenetics, and the role it plays in egg donation.
We’ll discuss actionable steps you can take to give your child the best start in life—whether or not you share a genetic link.
Read on to learn how you can actively shape your child’s future from day one!
What is epigenetics?
The human genome consists of approximately 22,000 genes, inherited from both parents through egg and sperm cells, providing two copies of each gene.
These genes are part of a long DNA strand, coiled within the cell nucleus. They serve as blueprints for proteins and other components required to develop, maintain, and repair the body.
While genes are generally unchangeable, whether or not they are expressed is controlled by epigenetic mechanisms.
Gene regulation and function
Every cell in the body contains the same genetic material, but not all genes are active in every cell. Epigenetic mechanisms regulate which genes are switched on or off in a particular cell.
These mechanisms can be inherited or formed during fetal development.
Research shows that the environment in the womb significantly influences epigenetic patterns. The chemical environment in the mother’s body during pregnancy plays a vital role in shaping the child’s development and long-term disease risk.
Epigenetics during fetal development
A child conceived via egg donation inherits an epigenetic profile influenced by two sources:
- The donor’s inherited patterns.
- New patterns formed during fetal development.
Factors that influence the fetus
The role of diet
Diet is a critical factor in fetal development and epigenetic coding.
Insufficient or excessive nutrient intake can negatively impact fetal development and increase the risk of diseases later in life.
A balanced diet rich in nutrients is essential. Opt for organic vegetables and free-range animal products, as they tend to have higher nutrient levels and fewer harmful chemicals.
Notably, nutrition during the first two years of life also has a profound epigenetic impact, influencing the lifelong risk of conditions such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Stress hormones
Stress hormone levels also affect fetal brain development.
While the effects of high maternal stress during pregnancy remain uncertain, some evidence suggests it may increase the child’s risk of anxiety, depression, learning delays, motor development issues, and behavioural problems.
However, this area requires further research before definitive conclusions can be drawn about its epigenetic consequences.
Chemical exposure
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)—such as Bisphenol-A (BPA), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates—can mimic natural hormones, disrupting the fetal hormonal balance and potentially affecting future fertility.
Minimising exposure to these harmful substances is advisable during pregnancy.
Abusive substances
Medications, alcohol, smoking, and recreational drugs can negatively impact fetal and child development through epigenetic changes. Avoiding these substances is crucial for promoting healthy development.
Epigenetics in egg donation – A field of rapid advancement
Epigenetics, particularly in the context of egg donation, is a rapidly evolving field, with researchers continually uncovering new insights. While much remains unknown, the potential to understand and influence gene expression is immense.
For those interested in exploring this topic further on a scientific level, you can read more in this fascinating article: Read the article here.
Thank you for reading! We hope this blog has provided valuable insights into epigenetics, pregnancy, and the unique role it plays in egg donation.
Written by Dr Henriette Roed Nielsen, Clinical Geneticist, PhD.