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Will the Baby Look Like Me If I Use a Donor Egg?

According to the experts, infertility is a rising problem that is expected to increase. Luckily there are many treatment options for those who are struggling with infertility problems such as In-vitro Fertilisation, surrogacy, sperm donors, and donor eggs. However, due to the complex environment, navigating through and evaluating all treatment alternatives is a process that can be very emotionally demanding for individuals affected by decreased fertility levels. 

 

Egg donation is usually the last opportunity for couples or singles who wish to become pregnant after months or years of failed attempts via fertility treatments such as IVF (In-vitro Fertilisation). If recipients are considering IVF with donor eggs, they can encounter some challenges and questions. Although the procedure itself has high success rates, some recipients are concerned whether the baby will look like the intended mother or not. This is because the baby will have half of the egg donor’s genetic information and half of the sperm provider’s genetic information.

will my baby look like me if I use a donor egg?

The answer to the concern of recipients relating to the physical characteristics of their future child: the resemblance usually depends on the donor. Consequently, the search for the perfect egg donor becomes a critical stage of the journey towards parenthood.

Choosing the right Egg Donor

After recipients have decided to use donor eggs to fulfil their dream of parenthood, they need to create criteria for their egg donor. Some things that intended parents should consider while looking for an egg donor include: 


Medical history

Completing a review of the medical history of both the donor themself and their family is one of the essential parts. This information gathered can minimise the risks of passing on illnesses to the embryo, and consequently, the foetus. 

Ovoria Egg Bank checks and screens donors in accordance with strict quality requirements and international guidelines. According to the international Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) association's guidelines, we examine donors through the EU-Tissue Directive 2004/23/CE, 2006/17/EC. 

 

Appearance of Egg Donor - Matching the Phenotype 

For some recipients, appearance plays a massive role in choosing a suitable donor. If recipients want to select an egg donor with specific physical features traits, there is a list of qualities to choose from:

  • Eye colour;
  • Hair colour and structure;
  • Skin tone and complexion;
  • Height;
  • Weight.

By choosing traits that match the phenotype of the female recipient, chances are that the child will look like a combination of the intended mother and the sperm provider. 


Personality, Intelligence and Educational Background

Every parent wants their child to be intelligent, charming, and successful. Although matching the desired personality, level of intelligence, and educational background of the donor with the qualities you wish for your child, we know that genes do not account for the entirety of these personal characteristics. The amount of nurture also plays an important role in terms of the child's personality and success. Moreover, the environment in which the child is brought up also plays a crucial role when shaping his or her personality, intelligence, and future educational endeavours. 


Interests and Achievements

During the review of the egg donor profiles, some recipients pay attention to such information as achievements and interests. However, one should note that it is not guaranteed that the characteristics of the egg donor will pass to your child. 

Overall, even if an egg donor looks nothing like the indented mother, the donor egg baby may still look like the recipient. Fertility experts discovered that even if the donated egg has a different genetic material than the recipient, the embryo is still affected by the fluid that surrounds the baby while it is growing in the womb. Consequently, it is likely that the child will resemble its mother, as well as the sperm provider. 


What Will My Baby Look Like If I Use a Donor Egg From an Anonymous Donor?

In most of the countries that legally allow for egg donation, it is mandatory that the egg donor is kept anonymous throughout the entire treatment process. Nonetheless, people mistakenly believe that anonymous egg donation will remove the genetic similarities. Although donor eggs from an egg bank will not carry your genes, the baby can still have some of your characteristics or physical traits. This is because the selection of the donor is based on the phenotypic characteristics of the recipient and the patient's blood group. The final choice is made based on the anatomical, morphological, and physiological characteristics of the donor in relation to the patient's phenotype.  This means that even though the child might not share the exact genetic code of its birth mother, chances are there will still be some resemblance between the two.



In the case that the child doesn't look like the intended mother physically, it will still adapt her behaviour, interests, humour, mannerisms, and facial expressions. Also, environment and exposure play a massive role during child development, which means this factor gives your child more similarities than genes or traits.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are donor eggs, and how do they work in fertility treatments?

    Donor eggs refer to eggs that are generously donated by a woman who's healthy and fertile. These eggs are meant for women who're unable to conceive using their eggs. During fertility treatments the donor eggs undergo in vitro fertilisation (IVF) where they are fertilised with sperm and then implanted into the recipient's uterus.


  • How do genetics determine a baby's appearance?

    Genetics is a complex process where traits are passed down from parents to children. However, the combination of genes is random, making it impossible to predict with certainty how a baby will look, even if you use a donor egg.


  • How important is it for a child to resemble their parents?

    While physical resemblance can create a sense of connection, the love, care, and emotional bond between parents and children are far more important than physical similarities. Families are built on love, trust, and shared experiences, not just genetic similarities.


Polina Pylypenko • July 29, 2021
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