My Mum died unexpectedly when I was thirty. The older I become, the more I see of my Mum in me.

Especially when I look at my hands.

When I look down, now that I am wearing her rings – I see the hands that held mine as a little girl. The hands that gently swept hair out of my eyes, the hands that held me close and brought about with them so much comfort and safety.

And this gets me thinking of a biological concept which I first heard about in ‘Baby Loss Awareness Week’ when discussing how children are cellular extensions of their Mothers.

A process called microchimerism.

And the really fascinating thing about microchimerism is that it works both ways; children leave cellular imprints on their Mums too.

So what is Microchimerism?

Microchimerism refers to the presence of a small number of cells from one individual which remain in the body of another. These cells are genetically distinct from the host’s own cells, creating a situation where two different genetic populations coexist within a single body.

(The term “chimerism” actually comes from the chimera of Greek mythology – a fire-breathing creature composed of the parts of different animals.)

How Does It Happen?

There are several ways microchimerism can occur, but the most common is in pregnancy.

During this time, cells travel both ways across the placenta. This means that a mother may carry cells from her child for decades after giving birth, and conversely, we might all be carrying some of our mother’s cells too.

This silent exchange of life between mother and child means that a physical connection is created which transcends time, extending far beyond any period of gestation and birth.

Once a woman has been pregnant with a child, she carries within her body, tiny cellular whispers of her baby —cells that travelled from her children’s bodies into her own, taking residence in her heart, brain, and other organs. These cells don’t simply exist as passive passengers; they become active participants in her healing journey if and when her body requires, rushing to repair damaged tissues and protecting her from disease.

The most wonderful thing about all of this, is what science calls microchimerism, can also translate to be a tangible expression of love — the physical embodiment of the truth –

Once we have carried another life, we are forever changed.

This beautiful cellular dance reminds us that motherhood is not merely a role but a transformation of our very essence.

The boundaries between where one life ends and another begins, become beautifully blurred as children leave behind cellular footprints that may remain for decades.

In moments of maternal illness, these gifted cells awaken, offering protection and healing as if returning the love once given. Perhaps this is why mothers often speak of feeling their children are “always with them”—because on the most fundamental level, they truly are.

In microchimerism, we find scientific validation for what the maternal heart has always known: the sacred bond between mother and child exists not just in memory or emotion, but in the very fabric of our being.

These discoveries venture into philosophical territory, softening the lines between self and other, and highlighting the interconnectedness of human life.

Microchimerism reminds us that the human body is even more complex and beautiful than we often realise. As we continue to unravel its secrets, we may need to rethink our understanding of individuality, health, and the intricate connections that bind us to others – not just emotionally or socially, but at a cellular level.

The next time you ponder the miracle of life, remember that you might be carrying a little bit of someone else within you, a testament to the beautiful complexity of human biology.

When we say ‘goodbye’ to our mothers or, as women, our children, we can find comfort in knowing that physically, some part of them remains with us.

As difficult as it is to part, no life exists in isolation.

In this way, the bonds we cherish continue, not just in memory, but in the very essence of who we are.

Microchimerism: The Hidden Connection Between Mother and Child – Pregnancy Pal

Chimera (Chimaera) – Monster in Greek Mythology | Mythology.net

If you have suffered with miscarriage or baby loss you may be interested in listening to Mylene Klass open up about her own experiences on the Mother Pukka Podcast.

Myleene Klass on baby loss and–Dirty Mother Pukka with Anna Whitehouse – Apple Podcasts

Myleene Klass shares poignant message about miscarriages | Metro News