Pregnancy is not just about nurturing a new life, but a lot more. In fact, when the mother's body undergoes changes, the impact of it stays long. This is also the time when fetal cells also cross the placenta into the mother's body. What does it mean? It means that the baby's DNA will embed themselves in the mother's tissues and her organs, this is also known as micro chimerism.

Fetal Cells And The Journey

As early as a few weeks after conception, fetal DNA begins circulating in the mother’s bloodstream. By the end of pregnancy, up to 10% of the DNA in her blood originates from the fetus. While most of these cells fade postpartum, some persist indefinitely. Remarkably, these cells can integrate into vital organs like the skin, heart, and brain, becoming a part of the mother’s body.

This transfer isn’t limited to full-term pregnancies. Even after miscarriages or terminations, fetal cells can linger in the mother’s body. With each pregnancy, the mother accumulates more of these cells, creating a complex biological mosaic of her own cells, her mother’s, and her children’s.

The Good, The Bad, and What We Donot Know About

Fetal cells are not always the best suitable for the mother's body. There are studies that suggest that while some fetal cells may be helpful, some could actually have harmful roles in the body.

Healing Power: These cells can congregate at wound sites and promote new blood vessel formation. It can, in some events, also accelerate recovery, especially during C-section.

Immunity Booster: These fetal cells can also enhance the mother's immune surveillance. This can also be used to reduce cancer risks and improve longevity. Women with fetal microchimerism have also shown lower mortality rates in some studies. Though, a lot more work is required to prove this.

Health Risks: Talking about health risks, there is a flip side to the fetal cells. These cells could be linked to autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthimitis. Although, the extraction is unclear.

This was discovered by Lee Nelson, rheumatologist at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, who first began researching autoimmune disorders in the 1980s, with the assumption that it shows up more often in women due to female sex hormones. However, what did not make sense was, if hormones were the culprit, why did it not reflect during woman's reproductive years, rather it reflected later in life.

This discovery was made in 1994, a colleague who is a specialized in prenatal diagnosis called Nelson to say that a blood sample from a female technician in his lab was found to contain male DNA a full year after the birth of her son. For Nelson, it set off a light bulb. Since, the developing fetus is genetically half-foreign to the mother, Nelson set out to investigate whether it could be that pregnancy poses a long-term challenge to women's health.

A Biological Tug-of-War

Evolutionary biologists propose that pregnancy is a balance of cooperation and conflict. The fetus, genetically distinct, demands resources for its growth, sometimes at the mother’s expense. Fetal cells might subtly influence the mother’s body even after birth, helping with lactation or delaying subsequent pregnancies to ensure their survival.

A Legacy Beyond Pregnancy

Microchimerism challenges traditional views of individuality. As cells from previous generations and offspring intermingle, they create a shared biological narrative. This extraordinary process underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of life, offering new insights into health, disease, and the profound bond between mother and child.

Across social media, videos of mothers shaving their daughters’ upper-lip hair have been going viral. In many clips, parents say they are trying to protect their children from bullying about facial hair, something many women recall experiencing during their own childhood. Some of these videos show girls as young as 10 or 12 getting their first facial shave at home.

The conversation gained major traction in 2023 when influencer Vidya Gopalan posted a video of herself shaving her 12-year-old daughter’s facial hair. The clip clocked millions of views and sparked strong reactions. While many viewers praised the mother for being proactive, others felt the practice introduces children to beauty pressures far too early.

Similar videos continue to trend today, often framed as an act of care from parents who want their children to feel confident. But dermatologists say the issue is more complicated than it looks online.

Children’s Skin Is More Sensitive Than Adults’

Experts point out that children’s skin is very different from adult skin. The protective barrier is still developing, which means it is more vulnerable to irritation and injury.

When shaving is done too early or too frequently, it can cause redness, cuts, razor bumps and sometimes infections. Using adult razors, dull blades or harsh products can make the situation worse. Even small nicks on delicate facial skin can lead to inflammation or long-lasting irritation.

Dermatologists note that shaving itself is not inherently dangerous if done correctly and occasionally. However, it should not become a routine practice for very young children simply because it is trending online.

Instead, any decision about hair removal should be taken carefully, with proper hygiene and supervision.

The Myth About Hair Growing Back Thicker

One reason many parents feel comfortable allowing shaving is the belief that hair will grow back thicker anyway, so removing it early does not change much.

Experts say this idea is a long-standing myth.

When hair regrows after shaving, the blunt edge of the cut hair can make it appear darker or thicker. In reality, the hair shaft itself has not changed. Studies in dermatology have repeatedly shown that shaving does not alter hair thickness, color or growth rate.

However, frequent shaving may still irritate sensitive skin, which is why dermatologists recommend caution when it comes to young children.

Cosmetic Treatments Raise Bigger Concerns

The debate intensified further after reports surfaced about an eight-year-old undergoing laser hair removal. That revelation shocked many people online and pushed the conversation beyond simple grooming.

Dermatologists stress that laser hair removal is generally designed for teenagers or adults whose hormones have stabilized. During childhood, hair growth patterns can still change significantly as the body develops. Because of this, such procedures are rarely recommended for younger children.

The concern is not only medical but also psychological. Starting cosmetic treatments too early may reinforce the idea that natural body features need to be “fixed.”

The Real Issue May Be Body Image

Experts say the larger conversation should not revolve only around hair removal techniques. It should also address how children learn to view their bodies.

Facial hair during puberty is normal, and it varies widely depending on genetics and hormones. In countries like India, where darker hair is common, many children may notice upper-lip hair earlier than their peers.

Instead of immediately removing it, dermatologists encourage parents to talk openly with their children about body changes. Helping children build confidence and understand that these changes are natural can be just as important as addressing appearance concerns.

If a child feels genuinely uncomfortable, gentler options such as a soft facial trimmer or consulting a dermatologist may be considered. But experts say the goal should not be to rush into grooming habits simply because social media has normalized them.

Sometimes, the most important step is helping children realize that their bodies are not a problem that needs fixing.

For many couples, the journey to parenthood does not always unfold as expected. While some conceive naturally without difficulty, others may struggle with fertility challenges caused by hormonal imbalances, ovulation disorders, endometriosis, PCOS, low sperm count, age-related decline in egg or sperm quality, or even unexplained infertility.

In such situations, assisted reproductive treatments such as intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) offer a path forward. IUI is often recommended in mild fertility concerns, while IVF is typically advised when conception becomes more complex. However, one reality that many couples are not prepared for is that IVF may not work in the very first attempt.

According to Dr. Mrunalini Jagne (Ahire), Fertility Consultant and IVF Specialist at Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar, a failed first IVF cycle can be emotionally overwhelming. “Many couples feel disappointed or discouraged when their first IVF cycle fails. But it is important to understand that one unsuccessful cycle does not mean pregnancy is impossible,” she says.

Read: Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas Open Up About Malti’s Premature Birth And NICU Battle

Why IVF May Not Work The First Time

IVF is a complex medical process that depends on multiple biological factors. Egg quality, sperm health, embryo development and the condition of the uterus all influence whether implantation will occur successfully. Even when the procedure is performed perfectly, these variables can affect the outcome.

“Fertility treatment involves several steps and each individual’s body responds differently to medication and procedures,” explains Dr. Jagne. “Sometimes the first cycle acts as a learning phase that helps doctors understand how the patient’s body reacts to the treatment.”

Because of this, many couples go on to conceive in subsequent cycles. The experience from the first attempt often provides valuable information that helps doctors refine the treatment strategy.

What Doctors Evaluate After A Failed IVF Cycle

When the first IVF cycle does not result in pregnancy, specialists usually conduct a detailed reassessment before planning the next attempt. This evaluation may include hormone testing to check fertility levels, hysteroscopy to examine the uterus, and genetic testing of embryos to identify underlying issues.

Doctors may also analyze ovarian reserve through tests such as Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) levels and Antral Follicle Count (AFC). In men, sperm DNA fragmentation tests may be recommended to assess sperm health more closely.

“Once we understand the possible factors that may have affected implantation, we can modify the treatment plan,” says Dr. Jagne. “This may involve adjusting medication doses, improving embryo selection techniques, or using additional diagnostic tests.”

Advances in reproductive medicine have also improved the chances of success in later cycles. Techniques such as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), blastocyst culture and advanced embryo freezing methods like vitrification allow fertility specialists to select healthier embryos and optimize implantation timing.

“These technologies have significantly improved IVF outcomes in recent years,” Dr. Jagne notes.

How Couples Can Prepare For The Next Attempt

Apart from medical adjustments, lifestyle factors also play an important role in improving fertility outcomes. Couples planning another IVF cycle are often advised to maintain regular follow-up appointments and complete all recommended investigations.

Adopting healthy habits can also support the treatment process. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and prioritizing good sleep can positively influence reproductive health. Stress management through yoga, meditation or counselling may also help couples cope with the emotional strain that often accompanies fertility treatments.

“Couples should focus on staying positive and following medical advice closely,” Dr. Jagne adds. “With proper care, many people who did not succeed in the first attempt go on to achieve a healthy pregnancy in later cycles.”

Hope Beyond The First Attempt

A failed IVF cycle can feel like a major setback, but experts emphasize that it is rarely the end of the fertility journey. With careful medical evaluation, improved treatment strategies and supportive lifestyle changes, many couples eventually succeed.

As Dr. Jagne puts it, “IVF is a process, and sometimes it takes more than one attempt. With the right guidance and perseverance, many couples are able to fulfil their dream of becoming parents.”

Danica McKellar, American actress said she was embarrassed to admit that she liked tasting her placenta. While she did not go into childbirth thinking she was going to taste her placenta, she says she is glad she did so.

She said this while explaining her surprising postpartum culinary experience in a conversation with Bobby Bones on The BobbyCast.

"My doula said, do you want to taste the placenta? I'd just given birth. And I'm like, sure. I mean, you're not even, you're not in your right mind. She gave me a piece of it. Bobby, it was like the best filet mignon that I have ever tasted. But more," she said.

She continued that she was embarrassed about how much she loved it. "It was bizarre. I thought, what is this, some sort of weird satanic...Am I a cannibal?"

She is now mom to 15-year-old son Draco Verta, who she shares with her ex-husband and composer Mike Verta.

Why Do People Eat Placenta?

A 2014 BBC report notes that placenta sustains life in the womb and leaves the mother once it has served its purposes after the childbirth. The nutrients that have passed from mother to fetus over the months of pregnancy are still packed inside the placenta and should not be wasted. Instead, the raw placenta, many believe, could provide what the mother needs to recover from childbirth and begins breastfeeding.

Some women, as the BBC report notes, are also choosing to drink the placenta in a fruit smoothie within hours of giving birth. While others keep it cool and send it off to be dried and made into capsules, or ripping chunk of it and placing it by their gums.

As per Mayo Clinic, some people believe that eating placenta can help them recover from postpartum depression. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a warning against taking placenta capsules. The warning was based on the case in which newborn developed an infection called group B streptococcus after the mother took placenta capsules.

The mother was thought to be infected with group B strep bacteria that came from the placenta because the capsules tested positive for the bacteria. Then the infection spread to the infant. Group B strep can cause serious illness in newborns. That may include a severe infection called sepsis. Group B strep also can lead to meningitis. Meningitis is an infection that affects the lining of the brain and spinal cord.

This infection happens when one processes their placenta and it could expose the placenta to bacteria or viruses.

Placenta And What It Holds

The placenta contain several hormones, including oxytocin, estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin. It is also rich in protein, amino acids, and minerals. However, the claims of people saying that it is healthy and should be consumed after delivering a child to avoid postpartum depression have not been fully tested. There are however cases where animals other than humans eat placenta after birth as it could reduce there labor pain. However, the same has not been proven in humans.