Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Study Finds Fetal Cells Remain in Mothers for Years
Scientists have discovered that during pregnancy, cells are exchanged between the mother and the baby.
This is called microchimerism.
Some of the baby's cells stay in the mother's body for many years, even decades.
These cells can turn into different types of cells, like heart cells or brain cells.
They might help repair tissues, but they could also be linked to some health problems.
Researchers are using new tools to study these cells to understand their role better.
Microchimerism involves the exchange of cells between mother and fetus during pregnancy.
Fetal cells can persist in the mother's body for decades, potentially lifelong.
These cells can differentiate into various cell types, including cardiac and neuronal cells.
Microchimeric cells may contribute to tissue repair but are also linked to autoimmune disorders and pregnancy complications.
New research tools are being developed to study the role of these cells in health and disease.
- Who
- Researchers and experts in the field of microchimerism
- What
- Study on the persistence of fetal cells in mothers
- When
- Study published in August 2023, additional research in Immunity
- Where
- Published in Advanced Sciences and Immunity journals
- Why
- To understand the role of microchimeric cells in health and disease
- Phenomenon
- Microchimerism
- Definition
- Presence of cells from one individual in another
- Types
- Fetal and maternal microchimerism
- Duration
- Decades, potentially lifelong
- Cell Types
- Cardiac, endothelial, immune cells, neurons
- Potential Impacts
- Tissue repair, autoimmune disorders, pregnancy complications
- Research Tool
- New tools to study microchimeric cells