Your Baby is Literally a Part of You (at least their cells are…)
Last Friday,
the incredible Barb Buckner Suarez joined our support group, and wow, was it powerful. We were reminded about re-connecting with our parters after birth, but also… how much pregnancy physiologically changes our brain… and our bodies. Almost in passing, Barb mentioned one of the most fascinating phenomena and I just had to go digging.
What was that phenomena, you ask? The ability of fetal cells to travel and integrate into the your organs, including your heart. This process, known as "fetomaternal microchimerism," involves fetal cells entering the mother's bloodstream and migrating to various parts of her body, with potential health benefits!
How the…?
During pregnancy, some fetal cells cross the placenta and enter the mother’s bloodstream. These cells can be found in the mother’s body long after childbirth, sometimes even decades later.
Scientists have discovered that these fetal cells can travel to sites of injury or disease within the mother’s body and join forces with their immune system in the beautiful dance of tissue repair.
?! So freaking cool.
Fetal Cells and Your Heart
One of the most exciting aspects of fetomaternal microchimerism is its potential role in healing the heart. Research suggests that fetal cells may travel to the mother’s heart, particularly if it is damaged or weakened. These cells can differentiate into various types of heart cells, contributing to the repair and regeneration of heart tissue.
The journal Circulation Research has a study that found that fetal cells could migrate to injured maternal heart tissue, where they differentiate into cardiac cells and help with repair! This remarkable ability could potentially improve maternal heart health during and after pregnancy.
Protective Power of Fetal Cells
The presence of fetal cells in the mother’s body may also provide a protective effect against certain diseases. Some studies suggest that these baby cells can help boost up the birthing person’s immune system, providing a form of biological support during times of illness or stress.
The Science Behind the Magic
The exact mechanisms behind fetomaternal microchimerism and its benefits are still being studied (Science is ever evolving, isn’t it?). The big question is, HOW do cells find their way to the injured tissue, and what specific signals trigger their healing functions. This research holds promise not only for maternal health but also for developing new treatments for a variety diseases.
Final Thoughts
By understanding the remarkable role of fetal cells, we gain insight into the potential lifelong health benefits that pregnancy can bring. It's a testament to the profound bond between the birthing person and their baby, one that begins long before birth and continues to impact health in unexpected ways.
As science continues to catch up and uncover the mysteries of fetomaternal microchimerism, I sit here… gaining more and more appreciation for the magical and wondrous nature of human biology.
References:
Khosrotehrani, K., Johnson, K. L., Cha, D. H., Salomon, R. N., & Bianchi, D. W. (2004). Transfer of fetal cells with multilineage potential to maternal tissue. Circulation Research, 95(7), 583-590.
Gammill, H. S., & Nelson, J. L. (2010). Naturally acquired microchimerism. The International Journal of Developmental Biology, 54(2-3), 531-543.
Gammill HS, Adams Waldorf KM. Fetal microchimerism: beneath the microscope lies a family tree. Circulation Research. 2022;131(5):438-439. doi:10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.122.321267.
