Epigenetics and IVF with Donor Eggs: Influence on Baby’s Genes

Are you going through infertility issues? If yes, then using donor eggs during in vitro fertilization (IVF) is the best option, as it offers a hopeful solution to starting or expanding their family.

As more people are turning to egg donation in India, it’s obvious they have questions, particularly regarding the genetic connection between the donor and baby. “Will my baby have my DNA?” or “Will they look like me?” such a question may also arise.

These are valid questions, as many parents-to-be wonder about the genetic traits they’ll share with their child. While IVF with donor eggs ensures the child inherits genetic material from the donor, there’s more to the story.

Well, the answer to these concerns lies in the concept of epigenetics.

In this blog, we will see how epigenetics plays a vital role in egg donor IVF and the influence it has on the baby’s genes.

So, without wasting any further ado, let’s begin.

Donor Egg IVF

In egg donor IVF, the donor’s eggs are fertilized using sperm from either the intended father or a sperm donor. The resulting embryos are then implanted into the woman's uterus, where she will carry and give birth to the baby.

Doctors or fertility specialists might suggest you egg donor IVF if:

• You have been informed that using your eggs is unlikely to lead to a successful pregnancy.
• You are not producing sufficient eggs due to factors like cancer treatment, early menopause or ovarian failure.
• There is a potential risk of transmitting a genetic or hereditary condition to your child.

What is Epigenetics?

Epigenetics refers to the study of the changes in gene expression that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. Instead, it focuses on modifications that can affect how genes are turned on and off.

These modifications can be influenced by various environmental factors such as diet, stress, exposure to toxins, or even lifestyle choices. Essentially, while a person’s genetic code (DNA) is constant, the way those genes are expressed can change over time due to epigenetic factors.

This has significant implications in IVF, as it adds a layer of complexity to the genetic inheritance of a child conceived through donor eggs. Epigenetic changes can affect the fetus’s development and may even have long-term health implications for the baby.

Do Babies from Egg Donation Share Genes with the Birth Mother?

Even with eggs received from egg donors in India, your baby may still inherit some of your traits due to epigenetics. In contrast, factors like your diet, stress, and behaviour may also influence how the baby’s genes are expressed.

While the genetic material comes from the donor, the mother carrying the baby plays a vital role in regulating gene expression through molecular signals in the uterine environment.

Final Thoughts

For women dealing with infertility, egg donation offers a beautiful and fulfilling path to parenthood. The connection built during pregnancy, birth, and caregiving is what truly makes a family beyond genetic ties. If you'd like to learn more about IVF, epigenetics, or related topics, consider consulting infertility specialists at an IVF hospital in Gujarat or elsewhere globally.