Your health story began before you were born

When your grandmother was carrying your mother as a developing baby, the egg that would eventually become you was already developing inside your mother’s ovaries. Just let that sink in for a moment . . . before your mother was born, an important part of your biological story was already underway.

What does this mean for your health?

Our health is shaped by a complex interplay of genetics, environment and life experiences. Looking at family health history can help us understand some of the factors that may influence our own wellbeing, including inherited conditions, patterns of disease and shared environmental exposures.

The maternal line offers a particularly interesting perspective. Conditions affecting your mother, grandmother and other maternal relatives may provide clues about inherited risks. For example, certain genetic variants associated with breast and ovarian cancer can be passed down through either the maternal or paternal line while other conditions, such as mitochondrial disorders, are typically inherited through the mother.

It is important to remember that being part of this three-generation biological connection does not mean that everything your grandmother experienced was automatically passed on to you. Nor does it mean that maternal history is more important than paternal history in every respect. Both sides of your family matter, and your own experiences and environment play important roles too. Nevertheless, when exploring your health lineage, looking beyond your parents to your grandparents can reveal valuable information. Their medical histories, long-term health patterns and, where known, significant environmental exposures can help build a fuller picture of your family's health.

Lifestyle and environment

There is a fascinating field of research called epigenetics, which explores how gene activity can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, stress and environmental exposures. During pregnancy, a mother's health and environment can influence the development of her foetus and some of these exposures may also affect the developing egg cells within a female foetus, potentially influencing the next generation. There is another extraordinary dimension to this story because your mother’s cells may still be living inside you. Research suggests that the biological connection between mother and child may continue long after birth. During pregnancy, cells cross the placenta in both directions, which means that some cells from your mother may have entered your developing body, including your brain, and may remain there for decades. This phenomenon is known as maternal microchimerism.

Why microchimerism is important

A recent New Scientist article, published in October 2026, explores emerging research suggesting that maternal cells may persist in the human brain into old age. These findings raise fascinating questions about how our brains develop and whether such cells contribute to tissue maintenance, immune activity or other aspects of health, although their precise functions remain uncertain. Scientists are also investigating whether microchimeric cells might influence autoimmune diseases, inflammation and tissue repair.

Consider how remarkable this is. Your biological story began before you were born, and some of the cells that crossed from your mother into your developing body may still be present decades later. Combined with the fact that the egg that became you was developing in your mother's ovaries while she was still in your grandmother's womb, this offers a powerful reminder of how interconnected our biology can be across generations.

Your health story began before you were born

So put simply . . . your story began before you were born. Understanding that story doesn't mean searching for something to blame – it means gathering clues, asking better questions and making more informed decisions about your health today. Exploring your family health history is not simply an interesting exercise in tracing your ancestry – it can be a practical tool for protecting your future health. After all, understanding where you came from can help you have a better understanding of what your body may need now.

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Start by looking at three generations – yourself, your parents and your grandparents – and focus initially on the maternal and grandmaternal lineage.

Where possible, find out about:

Recurring health conditions

Were heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, autoimmune or neurodegenerative conditions, or any particular cancers common in your family?

Age at diagnosis

The age at which a relative became ill can be an important clue – did any conditions develop unusually early?

Pregnancy and early-life history

If known, were there any significant maternal health conditions or exposures during pregnancy that might be relevant?

Patterns across the family

Did several relatives experience similar conditions, or were there unusual patterns that might warrant further investigation?

A strong family history of certain conditions may mean that screening, monitoring or preventive measures should begin earlier than usual. In these instances, your GP should be able to help you understand which details matter and whether a referral for genetic counselling or testing is appropriate.

So, instead of simply asking:              “What have I inherited?” 

The more important question is:        “Knowing what I know about my family, what can I do today to give myself the best possible chance of a healthy future?”

The practical value of this question lies in understanding your family history, rather than assuming that every biological influence can be traced or measured. Remember that your genes are not your destiny - you cannot change the genetic material you inherited, but you can take steps to support your health through appropriate lifestyle choices.

One key choice is to take a preventative approach and support your body with herbs that have affinity for the body systems you may have identified as being vulnerable. In this way, you are using the knowledge from your ancestors, both physically, and through herbal knowledge and traditions, to optimise your health, wellbeing and vitality today. More to follow . . . look out for our rejuvenation blend post coming soon 😊🌱❤️