Mom’s in control – even before you’re bornResearchers have uncovered a way in whic

Mom’s in control – even before you’re born

Researchers have uncovered a way in which information contained in unfertilised eggs influences the development of the fetus and placenta during pregnancy. 

The research, performed in mice, indicates that even before conception a mother’s health may influence the health of her fetus. 

Epigenetic information is critical for determining which genes are turned on and off in our DNA. 

The researchers discovered that some epigenetic ‘marks’ laid down in eggs during their development in the ovaries and after fertilisation are passed onto the fetus and placenta. 

The findings suggest that mothers have the genetic tools to control the growth of their offspring during pregnancy by instructing placental development.

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