microchimerism

A widely shared article on microchimerism notes that during pregnancy, fetal cells cross into the mother's body and can persist for decades. One reader said she learned that even after a miscarriage more than 20 years ago, she may still carry that embryo's genetic material — and could have passed it on. The phenomenon, known as fetal microchimerism, means many mothers technically carry cells from their children, prompting surprise and discussion about how long these cells last and what effects they may have on health.