I am incredibly fascinated by a new field of biology called Epigenetics and its relevance to conception, pregnancy and birth. A recent book I read by Kathleen Fahy, PhD has furthered my knowledge on the subject. 

Far from being an airy-fairy, new-age kind of philosophy, Epigenetics uses rigorous scientific research to find out how our genes are expressed or not when exposed to certain external influences such as nutrition, stress and emotions. 

What’s this got to do with pregnancy? Well, the process of selecting the most appropriate genes for expression is called genomic imprinting. It actually occurs in the final stages of sperm and egg development and throughout the baby’s development in the womb. Fahy says that this means that both parents are actually genetic engineers several months before conception (it takes up to four months for sperm to mature). 

The parents’ consciousness, nutrition, emotions, habits and broader social and cultural influences all play a role in the gene expression of their sperm and egg, which will influence the baby’s genetic make up at conception. Once the baby is conceived, he also takes on an active role in his genetic development (this process is called autopoiesis in scientific terms) and it is influenced by all sorts of environmental signals, which the baby gets through his mum’s consciousness, emotions, thinking, nutrition, behaviour and attitudes. 

This allows the baby to constantly evolve his physiology and genetics to adapt to these environmental signals. For example, did you know that a baby is exposed to the various tastes of foods you eat during pregnancy? Research has shown that food ‘flavours’ the amniotic fluid within a few hours of ingestion. So, if you don’t like broccoli but would like your future child to eat greens you’d better start tucking into them now! 

It is now believed that this is an evolutionary mechanism that allows the baby the best chances of survival and ensures that he will fit into the family and environment he is born into. This is why it is particularly important for pregnant mums to have their emotional needs met, so they don’t feel unnecessary stress. Far from being a selfish attitude, there is now compelling evidence from the field of epigenetics and endocrinology that pregnant mums who feel loved, valued and in control of their pregnancy and birth, have reduced levels of blood cortisol (the hormone we release when stressed). 

This doesn't mean that pregnant mums should live 40 weeks in a bubble for fear of experiencing stress or negative environmental influences. As always, moderation in all things is best: a sensible approach to food, exercise and incorporating regular stress-relieving activities such as yoga, meditation or massage (or any hobby that makes you feel centred and relaxed) will go a long way towards ensuring a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.   

References:

Kathleen Fahy PhD, RM, RN Birth Territory and Midwifery Guardianship