Pregnancy is one of nature's most impressive biological processes. During this stage, a fascinating phenomenon occurs: mother and baby communicate at the cellular level to protect, nourish, and develop a new life. Stem cells are a key player in this collaboration.
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are special cells that have the ability to develop into different types of cells in the body and also to self-renew. They are essential in embryonic development, tissue repair, and the body's regeneration processes. Mayo Clinic indicates that they come from embryonic stem cells, amniotic fluid, and adult stem cells, which play a crucial role during pregnancy.
The role of stem cells in pregnancy
During pregnancy, stem cells play an essential role in both fetal development and maternal body adaptation. Below, we explain the main ways they connect:
- Creation of the placenta
The placenta, the organ that connects the baby to the mother for the exchange of nutrients and oxygen, is formed by pluripotent stem cells, capable of generating all adult cell types, according to the medical journal Genotipia.
- Formation of the baby's tissues and organs
According to NBScience, embryonic stem cells originate from the embryo in its earliest stages of development and are pluripotent, meaning they are capable of generating all the tissues and organs of the body.
- Stem cell transfer between mother and baby
A surprising phenomenon called fetal microchimerism occurs during pregnancy: fetal cells can reside in maternal tissues, and vice versa. According to the journal Clinical Rheumatology, this results in the coexistence of two distinct cell populations in the same organism.
- Potential for regenerative medicine
Today, many families choose to preserve stem cells in specialized banks. This decision can make a difference in the future, as these biological resources have enormous therapeutic potential. According to the Mayo Clinic, they could be used in treatments for leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, aplastic anemia, immunodeficiencies, and hereditary disorders.
Why is this connection important?
Pregnancy is not simply the growth of a baby in the womb. Stem cells are silent protagonists in this process, working to build a new life while simultaneously offering surprising possibilities for the mother's well-being. Preserving them in proper conditions also allows this natural resource to remain useful in the future, especially as science advances and new therapeutic applications are discovered.
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Preserving stem cells is an informed decision that can make a difference in the future.
